A Year of Gratitude – November 20, 2024

I found a reason for gratitude in an early morning walk with Penny Lane today. It was a bit cooler than the last few days, but still warm enough to head out on a walk. Having weather that allows for one (or sometimes two) walks with Penny Lane is such a gift.

A day that begins with a walk is a day that offers me a clean slate. Being on the walk allows me to clear my head, to give in to nature and just be in the moment.

I walk along, listening to the sound of my feet striking the ground or pavement below. My feet and Penny Lane’s paws become the rhythm and then nature fills in with songbirds calling to each other, the breeze rustling the low hanging pine boughs, the sounds of being in nature not just near it.

There’s something about that moment, when I get just far enough from home to be in that rhythm. I can feel the weight of the burdens of life lifting a bit. For some reason, I can give myself permission to set them down, to leave them for a bit.

I’m not sure why I can’t easily do that every morning, but the walk helps so much. I can give in to the motion, to the sights and sounds, and immerse myself in them. By the time we’ve reached the halfway point of our walk, the weight I was carrying is a memory.

Sure, my worries and responsibilities will be waiting for me when I get home. A walk won’t make them disappear. But a walk gives me a few moments when I can set them aside and just enjoy the world, the moment, and the feeling of walking in nature with my trusty companion.

I know that the exercise is good for my body, but the walk is even better for my mind, for my soul. It rejuvenates me and allows me to greet the day ahead with purpose and optimism. By the time I arrive back home, I am ready to see the world and all of its delightful possibilities. By the time we arrive back home, Penny Lane is ready for a long nap.

She took one today in the sunshine on her bed near her favorite window. And then, after lunch, we headed back outside for another lap. It was just as restorative for me and she took just as deep a nap once we returned home.

This post is part of our A Year of Gratitude Series. You can find the introduction, inspiration, and entire year’s gratitude’s posts here.