I wake up every morning and walk 3 miles. Overall, that’s not extremely impressive. Plenty of people run, bike, play sports, dance. Just about everyone I know owns a Peloton these days. So, walking 3 miles is not extraordinary. It is, however, healing.
Less than 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with mild asthma and was prescribed daily meds. That threw me for a loop considering I don’t smoke, I am not overweight and overall, I eat well. It didn’t dawn on me that the previous year may have been a clue. I had the flu twice, a sinus infection, bronchitis, and a small list of other ailments. My body was telling me something and I clearly wasn’t listening.
My day used to look like this…I woke at 5:00 a.m., left my house by 6:00 a.m., commuted 1.5 hours, returned home by 7:30 p.m., and sometimes later. I didn’t see the light of day from October to March unless I caught it on the weekend. I worked during my commute. Some nights I also worked at home.
My only exercise was running to catch public transportation. Now, that IS impressive when you are carrying files, a laptop, and running in heels.
The truth is…I was so worn out, and it felt so normal to me, that I almost didn’t hear my body cry for help. I thank myself today for listening.
Where did I begin? I began to walk.
At first, I walked 5 minutes during the day to escape work and to clear my head. The sun and the air felt good. It energized me and prevented me from sinking into stress.
Then, I walked on the weekends because it was still too difficult to find the time during the week. That felt good to see nature and connect to the earth.
Last summer, when my father became fatally ill, I started to walk any moment I could find because it gave me strength and peace to be supportive for my family.
That turned into walking 3 miles every day. This is where 21 miles per week has led me:
Asthma free. Not only have I become asthma free, I haven’t had a sick visit to the doctor in over 2.5 years. Turns out exercise and movement create a healthy body…enough said.
Happier. Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) does wonders to the body and soul. Just 20 mins of sunlight several times a week can boost your mood and your health. When I am finished with a walk I feel like I can take on just about anything.
Connected to nature. I like to take in the sights and sounds of nature. It reminds me that we are part of one big eco-system. I also feel present. Today I observed the sound of 6 different birds, counted ten deer, saw three bunnies and watched the trees breathe as they swayed in the wind. How often have I overlooked the beauty of the earth because I was too busy?
Connected to neighbors. For 14 years, I left my house before sunrise and returned after sunset. I couldn’t recognize people’s faces let alone know their names. Now I start each day chatting with people I see. Like the elderly gentleman who runs to keep his immunity boosted during COVID, and the young mom who takes her sons on a scavenger hunt, and the family who is training their rescue dog to walk with other dogs. Not only do I know their names, I know their kids’ names, AND their dogs’ names. Community feels awesome.
Walking freed me from illness and it freed me to choose a new way of living. It’s what I call a Beauty Booster because it packs enough power to change the trajectory of your life. In my new 12wk program, Burnout to Beautiful, I introduce Beauty Boosters as part of a very specific transformation toward well-being.
Interested in learning more? CLICK HERE and let’s have a chat.
Until then, take 5 mins to walk. See where it leads you.
xo
