The Joy of Walking

It has rained a lot this week.  And walking home from work in the rain has made me wish for being able to drive in my nice dry and warm car (especially because I have forgotten my umbrella so often!).  Yet this morning - as I walked to work... I realized the joy that comes from walking.


I work at a job that holds a lot of stress - and I work with people who are going through tough emotional times.  Often it is easy for me to carry home those emotions.  But something happens on that walk to or from work.

That walk gives me time to breath in deep the clean air.  It gives me a chance to victoriously walk off some of the emotional energy that I carry.  This spring it has been wonderful to hear the birds sing, see the leaves grow on the trees, and to smell the flowers.

When I walk to work - I have a chance to center myself before work.  I have time for quiet reflection - something that I would not have while driving, where I would listen to the radio or have to deal with bad drivers.  No - instead of the hurry and hustle of driving to work - I get a chance to reflect on life.  I get the opportunity to watch and enjoy nature, and I get the Joy that comes from that.

So in the process of trying to save on gas and rubber rations - I have discovered a more powerful outcome - an opportunity for moments of quiet reflection and inner peace.  I have to say - even on the rainy days - I love this rationing experiment and what I am learning.