#longwalks

This 2026, my fiancé and I decided to do long morning walks during weekends and holidays. We have tried walking and jogging before every morning that we’re able to, but we were not consistent, and it felt like a chore. The difference with our walks now is my perspective in doing it. I am no longer thinking about losing weight or getting fit, although yes, it will be a huge bonus since I have been a bit overweight for a year now. But the main thing that’s been on my mind lately is appreciating our life as it is right now, removing all the noise around me, and enjoying what’s available and accessible in my life.

I love our morning walks because of all the things I can see outside. We’re not living in a picturesque neighborhood, but I enjoy seeing new little things to admire. I know this may sound cheesy, but I was able to determine this feeling because I bought a walking pad last year, and I couldn’t enjoy it. Using it felt like torture, and trying to watch something while doing so made me feel numb. All that I could think about while walking was getting to the end.

Though now, I have started using it again from time to time whenever I have the courage to do so, to stay active since we cannot always do our walks outside, especially on weekdays because of our different work schedules. Now, it is getting easier and easier to use, as I am motivated to get stronger to do longer walks outside.

When we started walking on different routes around our neighborhood, I started loving the idea of just walking anywhere, and maybe someday being able to trek and hike. Walking helped me declutter my mind, stay off social media, love the idea of being physically active, love my neighborhood, and finally, truly love my life.

It reminded me that I actually don’t mind the pain and tiredness I feel from being physically active, because whenever we are on vacation, I actually enjoy walking around and doing demanding physical activities. It reminded me that everything I actually need is already around me, and it helped me appreciate everything I have right now. It reminded me how big this world is and how many more adventures there are in life. And finally, it reminded me to breathe and slow down, that I am not stuck, that I am not in a rush, and that I can do whatever I want in life without feeling pressured to do so.

This journey has brought me closer to my fiancé, to my neighborhood, and to myself. I feel more connected to myself and to our environment. I am now looking forward to doing more outdoor physical activities. Maybe we’ll try tennis or badminton again, maybe also swimming, or whatever else we can try. All that I can feel right now is excitement for life, and I am truly grateful to be able to stay active. I promise myself that I will always take care of my health and appreciate my body for being able to do the things I love to do.

thanks steven!