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 joy 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 fallen trees. They quiet the mind. The silence is broken only by rustling leaves, distant birdsong, or the sudden bolt of my dog chasing wildlife.

There’s stillness if you watch closely. Stone walls from another century. Waterfalls hidden in the brush. Sunlight cutting through leaves, painting patterns on the ground.

People ask what my dog would do if she caught a squirrel. I tell them, I’ll let them know.

A Walk Within a Walk

The best part isn’t exercise. It’s 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. And that makes me a better companion—to myself and others.

Start at the Door

I don’t drive to walk. I walk from my front door. That adds the walk to the walk. I love a loop—no backtracking. Just movement forward, 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. That’s the reward.

This is country walking. City walking? That’s its own kind of magic—for another post.

Want to carry water and bug spray without a backpack? Try this ridiculous-looking belt thing. It works. Let them laugh.

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