Aging with Grace

An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.

Henry David Thoreau

Walking is my one concession to exercise. I’ve tried classes and going to the gym. I don’t like it. It may be my French heritage. I’m told the French aren’t big on organized exercise. I’m perfectly happy to take our dog for a walk through the neighborhood. We are fortunate to live in an area with many beautiful parks. It’s not a chore. I really enjoy it. I walk, on an average, about forty-five minutes a day, five days a week.

I came by walking naturally. Growing up in a small town walking or riding a bicycle was the only option. I don’t think we thought about it or felt sorry for ourselves. It’s just the way it was. There was no public transportation and adults didn’t have the time or the inclination to drive us. We didn’t feel deprived.

Besides the obvious benefit of getting exercise, walking gives me a chance to slow down and really notice my surroundings. I see the emerald green of glistening leaves on a spring morning and enjoy the smells and vibrant colors as the season changes to fall. It’s a good time to think about what’s going on in life and sometimes results in finding answers to nagging problems. You will never convince me that other forms of exercise offer all the same benefits.