A Challenge That Became Something More
As I walk my way toward 50, one step at a time, I am realizing this challenge is about so much more than movement.
April was approaching. Spring had sprung. And I was looking for some motivation to get my booty moving a little more regularly. Call me a party girl, an extrovert, maybe a little bit competitive… either way, it’s always more fun for me if other people are doing it too.
Why I Invited You Into This
Whenever I ask my sister Jill if she wants to “join me for a challenge”… her toes start to twitch—she gets a little nervous. “Please don’t ask me to do a sit-up challenge.” Not this time—this time, we’re walking!
So as much as some might think that I’m inviting them so that I can be inspirational or motivational—or maybe they think I want to show off—the real, true reason is that I like to be in community. And I absolutely love to see people set a goal and go for it. Celebrate all the wins every step of the way (pun intended).
This Challenge Is Designed for Everyone
This walking challenge was set up with the intention that everybody can do it their own way. We encouraged people to set their own number of steps they want to take each day or each week—or maybe it’s an amount of time they want to walk each day.
I know somebody who is dedicated to walking at least every other day for 30 minutes—fantastic! Then there is my husband, who works outside, and my daughter Mea, who is a collegiate long-distance runner. They are competing at the top of the board with sometimes over 25,000 steps a day. You do you, boo.
Progress Over Comparison
No matter where we are on the board, we can be proud of ourselves for showing up and taking steps. And while we’re at it, we can take notice of what sort of competitiveness or comparison comes up. Hopefully, we can become more aware of this and work through it (via journaling, therapy, or talking to a trusted venting partner), because those thoughts can truly stop us from being the best version of ourselves.
We’re almost always going to find somebody who’s better than us—someone who can do more than us, someone who is further along on a journey that we have just started.
Life Is Not a Straight Line
And also, the journey is never a straight line. I can see this in so many areas of my life.
Physically, just last year I was running seven-minute miles. Now I’ve got inflammation in my right knee, so I’m a power walker—and eventually, I’ll get back to some form of jogging.
In my spiritual life, I was raised Catholic and went through all the sacraments. In the middle of my life, I drifted pretty far from that, and now I am strongly reliant on my faith.
As a parent, one day I feel like the greatest mom of all time, and the next day, all hell breaks loose—I have no control, and I’m an absolute mess.
We usually take two steps forward and one step back… then five steps forward and a few steps back—twists and turns… like we’re doing the cha-cha.
What I’m Learning Along the Way
So here we are on day 12 of the 25-day challenge, and there are a few things I am learning. If I want to continue this after the challenge, I hope to make it a habit—a “new way.”
Building New Habits Through Walking
Intentionality, planning, multitasking, and new habits:
Walking 10,000 steps a day requires me to get out for two 45-minute walks a day—especially if the rest of the day I’m sitting at my desk or driving in my car.
It is ideal for me to get my steps in first thing in the morning. It’s not only a great way to start my day, but also a good time to check emails, look at my calendar, add to my to-do list, and participate in our Self Love practice on Clubhouse (listening and sharing).
My second walk of the day is usually for a break and for my enjoyment. Sometimes I walk in silence, observing nature. Sometimes I get on the phone with a friend, or I’m listening to one of my favorite podcasts or audiobooks.
Right now, I am out on a walk as I’m talk-texting (dictating) this blog into my notes app.
The Beauty of a Simple Evening Walk
And my favorite addition from this challenge has been a nice stroll after dinner. Usually it’s leisurely, and it’s often with my husband, Freddy, and/or my daughter Eva.
I learned a new word in Italian: Passeggiata—a leisurely walk or stroll, especially one taken in the evening; a promenade.
I like how it gets the bowels moving (TMI?), and I like that it invites me to take a quick body shower before changing into my pajamas.
Walking Into 50
On April 25th, I will be celebrating my 50th birthday. Fifty is a pretty big deal—not because I have survived terribleness or overcome great strife or trauma. In fact, I feel it’s a big deal because I have thrived in the midst of life’s challenges and ever-changing landscape.
I have enjoyed far more days than I have spent laid down in the mud.
I remember 40 feeling very free—free to be me. Fifty feels very grounded—a little slower, and still fun.
What Keeps Me Moving
Here I am at 50, feeling very proud, super grateful, desiring more, and knowing that I choose love.
I believe this is because I keep it moving—and by it, I mean:
I keep this body moving.
I continue to be curious so that my mind keeps moving.
I am intentional about the people I surround myself with and whose opinions I value.
And I allow God to guide me to where I need to be next.
Staying the Course
I have to admit that getting 10,000 steps a day is a challenge for me, and I’m really hoping I’m able to continue it after my 50th birthday. Maybe it gets easier, or maybe there is another number that feels more aligned for me.
Until then—I’m going to stay the course. Because in the end, it was never about the steps—it was about becoming the woman who takes them. And if there’s one thing I know for sure—it’s that we’re not just tracking steps… we’re building lives we’re proud to walk through.
Walking Together
I am 100% consistent so far, and I’m so happy to be doing this alongside all of the Wellness Warriors.
Thank you. I love you.
