Walking has become a part of my life that is not only professional but therapeutic. I’ve been asked to lead some walks in the forthcoming Fal River Festival in October which is a new thing for me but something that I think I will enjoy as well as bringing in some much needed money. I’ve never thought of myself as a leader of walks – I love writing about them – but this is another area that I can explore.
A friend said recently that I was lucky in that I can combine what I love doing with socialising and writing about it. He’s right. I am very lucky.
It’s also a good way to make friends. Walking and talking is a good way to share problems. Fast walking is a good way to let off steam – cue this morning, as I whistled along the rainy pavements with Moll, following an incident last evening. The less said about that the better……!
This afternoon I’m picking up Viv as her car’s broken down and we’ll take the dogs for a quick wet walk. Yesterday I went with my new friends Jane and John for a walk near Mawnan Smith, stopping at Trebah for coffee and cake.
I’ve always loved walking. It keeps you fit, yes, but I don’t do it for that reason. I do it because I need to move to think. I can sort out my emotions while I walk. I can sort out plot problems if writing a novel. The opening or closing quote from an interview, or a sentence that doesn’t fit well.
I know we’re all different and many people can’t understand my enjoyment of walking. But I find it almost as essential as breathing. I walk when I’m happy. I walk when I’m sad. I walk when I’m angry, or tired, or bouncy. I walk towards people and away from them.
But I never thought that I’d end up writing about walking, and giving talks about it. I suppose I am now a professional walker. How strange is that?
16 comments:
Guess it is just as well we don't know what life is going to throw at us nor how we will react to it.
We love walking, go once a week with B. & E. for a few miles then have a light lunch somewhere.
When able, OH and I just go for quick walks. It helps clear the cobwebs away and gives us a chance to notice the changing seasons in close up.
DC - you're right. If we knew what life was going to throw at us we might run like hell! Glad to find you enjoy it too - I love noticing the changing seasons.
This is a super post. I love how you think about walking.
And what a lovely line to put on your tax return! Professional Walker! I love walking too, also for the talking and thinking opportunities rather than the fitness thing.
Walking also lets me find beautiful things to photograph and to write about in my blog. xx
Sally - thanks for that! Walking's great, isn't it? And I do love your blog, and your fabulous pictures xx
What a perfect job! I love reading about your walks, they always sound so interesting and picturesque.
Thanks Debs. I suddenly thought, what if this is tempting fate? And I go and break my leg or something?
I love walking my dogs around our local countryside, but it's even better when there are others to walk with! Sounds as though you definitely have the best of all worlds!
Jane - yes it makes all teh difference having good mates to walk with doesn't it!
Same here; I concentrate more when I'm walking and have thought up some plot ideas for future novels!
We get lots of ramblers around here and today have watched a group of about 30 walking through our fields, rucksacks and macs to boot!
CJ x
CJ - I've never gone out with Ramblers but I know a lot of people who do!
The only walks I'm not keen on are muddy ones - we went over a new (to us) stretch of coastal path on Tuesday evening and it took ages because I was trying to avoid the mud.
I hope you've walked off that 'incident' now!
Chris - yes muddy ones are a pain but lots around at the moment as it's done nothing but rain recently. That incident is rumbling but better than it was, thanks!
I love walking, too, but I love running more! There's something so freeing about running, and I love feeling the strain in my muscles (to a degree!).
Talli - I haven't done much running but the little I have done gave me a terrific buzz!
I love walking too. It's healthy, therapeutic and free!
Addy - yes the Free bit's good!
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