One foot in front of the other. Again and again and again.
The Jones Beach boardwalk stretched out in front of me. 2 miles one way, 2 miles back. My son wanted to do the whole thing. I was wearing slides and carrying a 5 pound-ish pocketbook. The last time we went to the beach, the kids ended up playing in the sand and I had socks and sneakers. Trying to correct my mistake, I wore slides only to have the kids want to walk the boardwalk- the entire boardwalk- instead. This was a walk I did often as a teenager and in my 20's. Maybe even early 30's. At almost 41, I haven't done this walk in some time. The last couple of months have led to a decline in moving. When I was teaching in the classroom and otherwise living normal life, I would average 12,000-15,000 steps a day. Last week, I had like 4,000 steps on one random, same-as-before, day of the week. Quarantine has not been good for my body. Sitting more, succumbing to the treats that are around more often, I don't feel good or look good. It's time to correct that. The last few days, I've been eating the way my body enjoys. Lots of vegetables, lean protein, fiber-filled carbs earlier in the day. Less sugar. Far less sugar. Less impulsive choices. More movement. More water. The journey feels so long. Just like the boardwalk felt endless. I felt like I would never finish. I felt like I wasn't capable of doing it. But every step forward led me closer. I was the slowest one in the family but I got there. 4 miles, in slides, with a heavy pocketbook and an out-of-shape body. So maybe, in everything, it is one more step when you think you can't. Keep going.
5 Comments
5/19/2020 06:34:31 am
Kathleen, I hear you. I have been upset that my exercise is limited and my drive to walk long distance has been diminished. I check my Step app when I walk and I feel happy if I hit the 2 mile mark. That is the down side of Quarantine Life. The upside is that I am looking more closely at nature to make me feel good. Thanks for stopping by my post today.
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5/19/2020 07:32:37 am
Your boardwalk is such a good metaphor, because you were not prepared, not in ideal circumstances (love the slides and heavy bag) and you were the last one back. But you did it, one step at a time.
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5/19/2020 07:59:19 am
One more step, when you think you can't ... how much determination, courage, and hope lie in that choice! It's one more step to victory. Quarantine is not good for anyone's body! My son and I have finally started a walking routine again - must build back up. :) Such an encouraging post, Kathleen - irony in that while we are quarantined for health, we have become less healthy. Time to reclaim!
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5/19/2020 03:06:35 pm
I hear you! Thanks for being so postive - I'm also trying to eat better and keep walking - this sitting and working all day is not what teachers are used to!
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Just one more step. Every day feels like that lately. I'm depending on a daily walk as a sanity saver these days...but not in slides with a 4 pound purse! Now to get to improving the diet--not so healthy food (and too much food) is just too available when my classroom is the kitchen table! I enjoyed your slice today!
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AuthorKathleen Neagle Sokolowski Archives
February 2024
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