After 10 months of pandemic life, the new year saw me looking for a way to distract myself from the relentless sameness of my days. When I saw #100DaysOfWalking I realised it was exactly what I was looking for – something with a hint of a challenge, something daily, and something that got me out of the apartment.

On January 1, 2021 I put on my boots and grudgingly forced myself out the door.  Now, 50 days later I’m oddly quite pleased with myself that I’m halfway through my 100 days.

While the weather has been mostly cooperative, a prolonged cold snap at the top of February tested my mettle. Yet I persevered. Being a frightfully wilful person when I choose to be, I refused to surrender my then 30+ day streak. Yes, my daily stroll around the neighbouhood quickly became a purposeful and short trek, at times as short as a bone-chilled dash around the block, but every day I put my shoes on and headed out.

As the days started to stack up, it became easier to get out the door. Now, here I am 50 days in and going for a walk has simply become a part of my day. I anticipate it. I carve out time for it. I enjoy it. Regardless of the temperature or wind chill , going for a walk around my neighbourhood adds to my day. It feels good to be out in the weather – the sun and the cold and the wind on my face brushes off the stale humdrum sameness of the apartment. It feels good to nod hello to neighbours, with an added bonus of becoming friendly with their dogs. It feels good to move my body, if only briefly every day, rest assured, my daily walk isn’t what I’d properly call physical exercise. Yet this simple bit of routine has done wonders for my frame of mind during a deeply challenging time.

I encourage you to carve out a wee smidge of time in your day and head outdoors, no matter the weather. I truly think you’ll be glad you did. I know that I am.