Before I began a walking practice, I was so lost in my pain that I didn’t know how to cope with all the emotions loss brings. Like many others I also had unresolved grief from the death of loved ones a few years prior. Physically, I was spending way to much time indoors and I wasn’t in great shape. I tried therapy, antidepressants, long phone calls with friends, but nothing made me feel better.

It seemed like no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t quite rediscover my passion for life and I was stuck in a cycle of sadness, guilt, fear, loneliness and resentment. But that’s when it hit me. I needed to try something different, an approach that didn’t keep me fixated on my thoughts but instead something that would help me stop fixating on what I lost and learn how to love life again.  I needed something that gave me hope that things could get better, maybe not that day but someday and for me, I knew that someday was when I reached 100 walks.

I completed 100 walks and many more. They weren’t always pretty or easy but they all taught me something and eventually they transformed my pain into joy.

• I discovered how solitary walks allowed my true feelings to be expressed and worked through.
• Even in my pain I was able to find moments of peace as my walks naturally kindled awe and curiosity in me.
• I became physically and mentally stronger which helped me to cope with the strong emotions I was feeling.
• I grew to be more connected to nature, finding solace and support in an entirely new way.
• I had something to look forward to again and that alone was worth the journey.

And the best thing about it all? I fell back in love with life. I remembered what was truly important and experienced the beauty of exploration, both inner and outer, the power of hope and the healing energy of nature while still acknowledging the importance of what I lost.