Do you go for walks?

I had a funny realization this week – I almost never go for walks. If I'm walking, it's because I'm trying to get from Point A to Point B. To catch the train, to meet up with a friend, even when I'm on vacation... I'm walking to get to a specific place. The other night, I invited my friend over. I texted, "Maybe we can go for a walk?"

We started at my apartment with a quick snack, while I brewed her tea and filled up my water bottle (I never run with water, but somehow a walk seemed incomplete without it?). We headed out and within a block, I opened up about a personal situation I've had on my mind recently. There was something so nice about telling her my story while walking. Usually, we'd be seated cross-legged on a couch, looking at each other while we talked, but somehow the walk made the whole conversation lighter.

We walked about a mile through the Castro, looping back and finishing up on the stoop outside my place. While I usually like eye contact, it was kind of nice to have a break from it when discussing a heavy topic. It made the conversation lighter, and let me sit with my own emotions instead of reading my friend's expressions. I really liked it.

I'm going to try to take more walks this year, whether it's with friends or just a solo stroll. It's a nice change of pace (ha) from plopping on a couch or meeting at a coffee shop.🚶‍♀️

(Painting by Marshall Goodman)