As we are all aware, right now we are in quarantine, and we are all limited in many ways. I won’t discuss the subject too much because I assume you, just as I am, are tired of hearing about the disease as well. However, what have you been doing to keep busy? For me, I have been busy with school, my jobs, face-timing my peers, and I have been able to spend some time with my boyfriend, Mark.
When I first found out that Mark and I could not spend time together as we used to, such as going out to dinner or having game and movie nights with our friends, I was quite sad. There were so many fun things we could be doing, but we were being ordered to stay at home. Businesses closed. Parks closed. The movies closed. What were we to do? And, we had to stay 6 feet apart! Well, Mark and I found something to do where we could maintain social distancing orders, and so many amazing things have come from it.
Want to know what that is?
Well, Mark and I have just simply been taking walks. Lots and lots of walks. We definitely have been getting our steps in! Rain or shine, we meet up at someplace to walk around a neighborhood or on some trail through the town, city, or park. Originally, I figured at some point both of us would get sick of walking. We would run out of things to discuss. It would become mundane. However, that is not the case! Instead, there is always some form of excitement taking place!
Previously, I enjoyed the outdoors, but, now, I truly appreciate it. Being outside helps clear my mind and brings me to a state of contentment. Yes, contentment amidst this crisis! Strolling along a trail listening to the birds or walking a boardwalk at a nature preserve and observing animals within their elements there brings me joy. I also have found joy in admiring homes in various neighborhoods for I begin to dream of what my house may look like someday. It is kind of fun!
Conversations are also good when one takes a walk. That I have learned! Walking to a destination or rather just to explore a new area, Mark and I have been able to discuss what has been taking place within our personal lives, and we have also been able to discuss some deeper, intentional topics. Walks are a good opportunity to simply enjoy the presence of those who are with you as well as the environment in which you are in.
It is difficult to choose my favorite walk we have gone on thus far, but, if I were to choose, it would probably be our walk in the 1000 Islands Nature Preserve in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. I graduated from Kaukauna High School, and I used to run track at the field next to the nature preserve in middle school; however, I had not explored the preserve since I was in grade school. So, I did not remember anything about the area. Mark and I met up and began to walk along the boardwalk when we were amazed at how high the water was! It was honestly 6 inches below the boardwalk and flowing quickly! We walked down it for a while and then headed onto a trail that took us quite a distance down the river. We were able to reflect on our relationship and simply enjoy each other’s presence and the environment we were in. It was quite nice!
Therefore, with all that I shared, go take a walk! Ask someone to go with you or go by yourself and enjoy the outdoors. You will find a sense of peace from the fresh air and the animals around you. It is quite joyful!
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