Walking the Loop: A Daily Ritual

I walk every day. Almost. Sometimes I don’t feel like it—but my dog always does. We’ve got a deal: one walk a day, at least 60 minutes. Two routes keep things fresh. One winds through deep, rugged woods. The other is paved—woods, but with asphalt.

Yes, it sounds wrong. Paved woods? Not quite natural, but practical. My dog still gets to chase squirrels, and I get steady footing. No mud, no twisted ankles. We both win.

Why Walk? Why Every Day?

It’s on my daily list. That list keeps me focused—and gives me the good feeling of crossing things off. Walking is a promise I keep to myself, and to my dog. We’re both committed. I hold the leash, she holds me accountable.

The Woods Are the Reward

The backtrails are a different world. They demand attention—navigating roots, hopping rocks, ducking partially fallen trees. They focus the mind. The silence is broken only by the sound of my steps, the rustling leaves, some distant birdsong, or the sudden bolt of my dog chasing yet another squirrel. People ask what my dog would do if she caught a squirrel. I tell them I’ll let them know.

There’s stillness in it all. Old stone walls from another century. 250 year old trees. Waterfalls hidden in the brush. Sunlight cutting through leaves, painting patterns on the ground.

(Nothing better than watching kids play and learn)

A Walk Within a Walk

The best part isn’t the exercise. It’s the clarity. I don’t walk to think, but I let thoughts come. The good ones stay. I email them to myself from the trail—can’t count on memory anymore...

And I get honest time with myself. No distractions, no filters. Just the truth because I can't lie to myself, because I'd know... My thoughts are more purposeful that way.

Start at the Door

We don’t drive to our walk. We walk from the front door. That way the walk time to the woods and back counts in the total walk time. I love a loop—no backtracking. Just forward movement, full circle.

It’s all free. No gym, no ticket. Just air, space, and time.

Not Going Anywhere—On Purpose

The beauty of walking is the walk itself. There’s no destination. You go, you come back. You feel good. That’s the reward.

                                                   And when you get back, play a game :)

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