Take a Walk!

The other day, my daughter and I talked about the need to "get moving" this spring.  We decided to hold one another accountable to walk each day.  One mile.  More is okay, but one mile is the commitment.

Then, when it became this gloriously sunny day, I told her that we would go to the 1.2 mile path at church to walk.  Big grin.  That was like a reward for the work we hadn't even done yet!

I decided that I would tell-not-ask my son that he should accompany us.  I think he might have argued - except that it was such a gorgeous day.

When the kids were done with school, we got our act together and headed out the door.  My daughter, I noticed, was collecting things like her iPod.  Whaaaa--aat?  "No iPod!" I said.  "You're really going to make me walk along beside you guys without any conversation?  No."

I think she was a little put out.  Hmmpf.  Me too.

But we went.  We walked.  We talked.  It was great.  We even left our cell-phones in the car!  (Not as hard for me as for my son...)

TODAY, I read "Ways To Show Your Love To Your Children."  The very first idea says, "take a long nature walk together, at their pace, let them lead the conversation."  My suggestion?  DO IT!  Some of the other ideas on this particular list seem geared for little ones, but a walk?  That's perfect for any age.

And trust me.  Even if they are not happy when you are pulling out of the driveway, they'll be happy when you're pulling back in.  In the busy-ness of life, we sometimes forget that we can do something as simple as give someone an hour of our time to make their day a little brighter.

Believe me, I am not naive enough to think that my kids came home and started telling their friends that I made their day brighter.  But, grab the moments.  Take the time.  Maybe it will be your day that gets a little brighter!  I know mine did.

Check this out. (Love it!)
Walk Away the Pounds with Leslie Sansone
Walk in the comfort of your own home, rain or shine!