Daily Walk

I should be going for a daily walk. Sometimes I do not. It's a combination of mosquitoes and rain, lately, and also that I don't want to go outside some days. I need to keep up with my daily walks, for both mental and physical health. I'm really, really going to get on track with that!

I have five regular walks. 

The pond one is the longest and has the fun of watching birds, both in trees and water. There are ducks, geese, coots, and one day a great egret; there are also a vast number of red-winged blackbirds and many, many songbirds. It also has the most mosquitoes right now. 

The other long walk is along the path above the creek. It has a bench part way along to sit and think, and if I go long enough, I can go down to the part beside the creek. It's also very mosquito filled right now!

The third walk is up to the start of the creek path. It takes me across the creek (and if I want, there's a little "look-out" spot to sit for a bit), and I like to stop and watch the water on both sides as I come and go. 

The fourth walk is through my neighbourhood. I can make it a bit longer or shorter, depending on how I feel that day. It's a shorter walk in general (even the long version), and I take it when I want to stretch but don't want a long walk.

Finally, there is the "I really need to walk but it's probably going to rain soon" walk. It's pretty much across the road, then either down the alley or the side street; either one will easily lead back to my street. It gets me out of the house just enough to feel better and avoid the coming rain.

Today I took the third walk. It's sunny and warm, and it was a nice break from the rain. The creek is high, but lower than it was last week. I watched two ducks rush along until they reached a quite bit near the bank, just before the log and white water. They seemed to be getting up the nerve for the next bit, and then launched themselves into the rapids and shot out past the wild water. I'm pretty sure they were having fun!

Outside

I've been told that I should go for a walk every day. The goal is not so much exercise (although that's good), but just to get me out of the house and to help clear my mind. I find walking helpful for thinking things through and dealing with any troubling thoughts that are trying to take over. It's generally peaceful, there are few distractions, and it's a good time to think and pray about things.

Of course, it's winter and night comes early, so that's been modified for now. If I can go in the morning (often on the way to work), that's good, and then I'm supposed to go on Fridays and Sundays (when I'm not working). The other caveat is that it has to be above -20 (including the wind chill or the "feels like" factor) and no fresh snow on icy sidewalks (because a nasty fall would not be good for my health).

It's been cold for too long now. I've been taking the long way to work to avoid the walking part because even when it's not too cold, the wind is sharp and cutting. My walking has been to and from the bus stop and that's it.

Today, there was the perfect convergence of nice weather and a day off. It was only -2 and there was no wind. I was delighted. It's been a tough week or so and I really, really needed the fresh air and time to unwind and refresh. It was lovely and quiet (with only the occasional other walker). The pond is frozen, of course, with a coat of snow only sometimes broken by tracks (that seem to be more animal than human). I was out for around 40 minutes and came home only a little cold. I plan to go out again soon to enjoy the nice weather again. It's not expected to last; by tomorrow, the forecast is -15 (feels like -23), and it doesn't look like it will be much better until late next week (if then).

I hadn't been walking much even when the weather was nicer. I did walk part way to work most days (it's about a 20-30 minute walk), so that was something. In the evenings, it's dark before I get home (I get off between 7 and 8, so it's dark before I leave work). I didn't realize how much I was missing even the walks to work until today. It's my new advice to people dealing with anything: take a walk, unwind, and get a fresh perspective on life.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm feeling properly warmed up (thank you hot chocolate) and just about ready to head back out for a short while.