Earlier this week, I marked 222 days of committing to a daily walk with the community @thismorningwalk

In the most recent newsletter from Libby DeLana, we were invited to reflect on four questions about our journey so far.

What inspired you to start?

I began a daily walk in December 2021. I’d realised what an important part of my life a daily walk had been, whether a walk through allotments to school, a walk to work in a chocolate shop, a book shop, a sports shop, a restaurant, a longer walk down to a riverside for work in an art gallery and then a college, a short walk from train stations to classrooms and offices.

I’d walked myself through career changes, relationships, house moves, friendships and into my future. I looked up and realised my present was situated on a chair at a desk. I missed motion. I was spending more and more of my spare time in nature and I wanted this to form part of my day to day.

In November, I had just completed a boundaries course and learned to prioritise myself. This morning walk – not necessarily in the morning – could be one more small way, practised daily, to show myself I mattered. It’s working. After 200 days of walking, I reflected on the lessons I’m learning along the way.

What has been the biggest surprise?

Like many in the #thismorningwalk community, I only intended to walk until the new year. I’m still going. I didn’t think this kind of habit was possible for me.

The most joyful walk?

Oh so many, though I’m already excited for the reward of a stunning winter sunrise again. That first glimpse I get from the top of the road, and then once I’m in my favourite tree-filled park is an incomparable joy. I’m giggling just thinking about it.