A Life of Simple JoyReducing stress, increasing joy one post at a time!

When I was growing up, we didn’t have a car. I was raised by my mom and grandmother and they couldn’t afford a car. Didn’t know how to drive, either. Needless to say, I walked a lot as a kid. I still enjoy walking. I get lost in my thoughts when I walk. time has taught me to walk on a path with no traffic rather than on the street when I need to think. Too many times, I found myself blocks away with no idea how I got there. Which meant I had crossed street without paying attention. YIKES!

These days, I have 2 places I prefer to walk. One is around our neighborhood in Old Towne Orange. It is a large historic district and the houses are fabulous. I walk around the neighborhood when I just need to get out and away from things for awhile. When I need to think, I go down the street to Hart Park. There is a path that goes around the ball fields in the park. A hill is built into the path so it gives me a workout. The park is always busy but quiet enough to allow me to think.

I wander around the path, sorting out my thoughts and ideas. I like to pray as I walk, asking for guidance and clarity. Some days, I lose track of the number of laps I take around the ball fields. I figure this is a good thing. Getting out of myself, being outside, surrounded by other people in various activities. When I finish, I am able to go home and return to the tasks at hand. I have a fresh perspective and I feel more grounded. The fresh air and exercise calm me and give me greater focus.

While I don’t walk most places these days, it’s nice to know I have not lost my love for getting around on foot. That is a simple joy I hope to continue the rest of my life.