The Power of a Daily Walk

If you had told my younger self that a walk every day could change my life, I would have laughed in your face. Walking never used to look like exercise, it was something we all just did. But now, as a busy mother of 2, it has changed my life completely.

I do not always have the time, or energy, to fit in a daily workout. While I am trying to work my way up to that within my own personal health and fitness journey, daily workouts, gym visits or sweat sessions seem far more daunting and unappetizing when you’re physically exhausted from your day-to-day life.

By getting up before my family and going for a walk on my treadmill, I am building up the stamina I need for the day ahead. I am a better mother because of it. I have more patience and have attention to give because I have created the energy I need to start the day. I am creating that “me” time before having to tend to anyone else. It is not always easy getting up before the sun rises in order to do this, but it is always worth it.

This may not be an option some days. Kids get sick, or have bad nights and sometimes we have a rough nights sleep and getting up just isn’t in us that morning, and that’s okay! I, personally feel the difference in my patience and attention levels when I don’t do get up before everyone else, but those days are going to happen. Instead, I try to fit in my walk at a different time. Whenever I can squeeze in some free time for a 20-30 minute power walk, I am taking it. Or going for a family walk always helps reset everyone’s moods. Fresh air will do that.

I have always had this romanticized image of myself becoming a runner as I admire those who do so. Until this day, even when attempting to train for a 5k, I am not yet that person. I may never become that person, and that is totally fine. But walking is something I can do and it is far less scary to take on. It is the consistency that makes all the difference. The drive towards bettering ourselves and staying healthy for that longevity for these little humans we are raising and want to stick around for as long as we can and enjoy their lives with them.

Start small, as I did with 10 minute walks to just get myself going. And then pick up the pace, stick it out for longer, elevate the incline. I am, by no means, an expert on fitness. Not yet at least! I am no where near my health and fitness goals. But in recent years I have seen how important the decisions we make for our own health are and I want to do better, I want to be better. I want to show my children it is worth it, life is worth living. And in order to do that, it starts with me and my own journey.

Walking has changed my life. To some, that may sound so silly and simple, but that’s just it, that’s why it has changed my life, because it is easy and accessible and available. While I am continuing to learn how to become my best self, I encourage you to join me and find what works for you. Every little bit helps. We are in control of how we handle and manage each day, regardless of what is thrown at us, because that, in itself can be a lot. Making it all worth it, that is up to us.

Melanie xoxox