Walking Shoes - Walking and Other Exercise

[Guest_1055]

Hey to anyone reading this.

Last night I had an idea about starting a new thread about exercise especially walking. I am aware that walking is very beneficial for our mental, emotional and physical well being. And by actually doing it....well it can make a huge difference to how we cope with the storms that we face in life.

OK, I am not real good at disciplining myself to walk, and have to really push myself to do it. And sometimes it is even hard to leave this bedroom. Anyway I am not a beginner walker, as I have stuck to sort of a plan before. So I know that it does make me feel somewhat better. But I only stayed on the plan for a couple of months, then gave up.....for whatever reason. So here I am again wanting desperately to not fail this time.

So I guess this thread is for anyone that does walk, anyone that is struggling to walk because of depression or anxiety issues. And anyone else really......

I am unsure of the outcome of all this. But my ideas included: Sharing about things we have found out about exercise especially about walking. Writing down the reasons that one would chose to walk ( like something to help motivate). Being accountable in same way. Sharing about the places where we actually do walk, like the beach, gym, around the block, with the dog, out to the clothesline and back. And any other useful tips that could help others. So here we go......

[Elizabeth CP]

Thanks Shell and Dools, Sorry you didn't get to the waterfall Dools but you do seem to be doing better overall. The initial surgery my hsb had is very rare so I won't try to explain further. The silicon was a thread holding something together until it broke and punctured his face. Today he finally seems to be functioning more like he does normally.

I was rockclimbing as a young adult when I lost my grip and fell down a cliff.

I did a short walk to the shop yesterday morning but didn't get out today. I have had a lot to organise for my hsb NDIS plan review coming up soon. I'm quite anxious about it because the person who is supposed to help isn't. This is on top of other things stressing me out.

[Guest_1055]

Will you do some deep breathing Elizabeth? Just some nice calm breathing...

It's good you got outside for a short walk to the shop. Sometimes that helps you, just fresh air, movement, something else to look at.

[Doolhof]

Hello Shelley, Elizabeth and all,

I'm about to head off for a walk. I am on call today so need to be around in case I have to go in to work. I have time for a short walk at least, I will just go up the road from our place so I am closer to home.

Monday, I had a dear friend who asked if I could be close by in case she needed some support and wanted me to be with her. I didn't want to take off to the waterfall and be further away from her.

The countryside here is beautiful and green, it is so calming for me walking in these conditions. It is quite chilly as well. I will rug up to go for a walk.

If I don't end up needing to work, I might make it to that waterfall! Maybe !

Cheers to you all from Dools

[Guest_1055]

Hi Mrs D,

Maybe you had the opportunity to walk to the waterfall? But it's nice to be able to be of help to your friend also. So do like to walk also?

I was just reading again how you walked along side a river the other day. That sounded delightful. And there were so many birds around the area. And frogs. They can be quite vocal those frogs sometimes. I am not sure you have mentioned about walking there before... is it close by?

Yeah and true green can be a calming colour. My childhood bedroom was green as I liked that colour. Green bean bag, green wallpaper on one wall, I think light green curtains ( cannot quite remember) and a green cover on my bed. Still like the colour green.

[Guest_1055]

Thankyou for your encouragement The Bro.

And yes I did notice the improvement in my fitness level as I jogged up those train station steps. More spring in my step, less puffing and less effort to get up there. It just felt good.

You were saying you do stand up paddle boarding on another thread. That does look fun and I have watched people doing that in the calm river. Do you need to have good balance?

And you cycle.. is that right?

I have been cycling around the block, well because I like it. And want to improve the muscles that are used in that so I can go on longer rides and have more endurance.

[Guest_1055]

Yesterday I did not do any exercise. But on the other days I have been cycling around the block and noticed the mirror that was leaning on someone's fence was now gone.

I have walked down at the rec. And oh Mrs D.. I am so glad you can laugh with your sister, especially while having a go on the flying fox. My sister is practically the only one I feel free enough to laugh with.

And I found out I can walk out at the beach or on the breakwall. I got mixed up in regards to the restrictions. The beach area is in my local government area. So that made me happy. I have walked out their twice now. Once on the breakwall and part of the beach. And once on the coastal walk.

[Doolhof]

Hi Shell,

I have been out for a walk this morning, the waterfall is about an hour's drive away so not sure if I will get there today or not. Depends if I am called in to work.

This morning I saw some awesome spider webs covered in dew and glistening in the sunshine. I took some photos of them on my phone. They were only in one small area.

I've never been on that river walk before, I have been to the town a few times but didn't realise there was an area to walk across the other side of the river. You take a punt/ferry to get across. Now I know the walk is there, I will go again next time I am in that area, it is 80 kilometres away.

It is wonderful to know you can still have your ocean view walks! Nature can be so calming. I find the beach is a peaceful place for me...only it seems there is almost year round sand carting at the local beaches in the city these days.

Hope you enjoy some fresh air today Shelley and may the Son shine upon you and bring you some peace.

Best wishes for a brighter day from Mrs. D

[Guest_1055]

Thankyou for what you said on the "vent then let go" thread to me Mrs D. I really appreciate you noticing I was struggling. Made me feel cared about. I am coping much better today.

I did keep singing. Singing out to God, singing out emotions and praising Him. Helps to get my eyes of myself I guess by doing that.

I wish I could word it properly what I have been learning of late. . I will have a go.... I think I have been or its naturally unhealthily wired in me to look to my husband as if he is God. To get all my needs met through my husband rather then God. My need to know I am a person of worth even. Husband treats me a certain way that makes me feel that I am not worth anything or not worth his time. This just hurts so much. Think I am slowly learning that my worth comes from God. I am worth dying on a cross for. My worth should not come from how people treat me or whatever. Its not totally clear in me as yet. So I am finding it challenging to put it into words.

Anyway Mrs D, thankyou so much for noticing me (and how I was feeling) Bless you.

[Doolhof]

Dear Shell,

In my mind, I am reaching out to you and giving you a big hug. If you need to cry, my shoulder is here for you, I have tissues too!

There have been times when I have felt my self worth is not acceptable because I feel another person is not treating me the way I desire to be cared for, nurtured and loved. To feel rejected by a person we look up to can feel depleting.

Your own experience is different from mine, it does sound a little similar to what I have experienced. Feeling like we need another persons approval in order to be worthy, is this what you are describing Shell?

God loves us just the way we are! He is our strength, He fills us with His peace and comfort. Believing that and truly feeling it in our hearts and soul can be another matter some days.

I am learning to stand up for myself more. To express how I am feeling in a respectful way. I try to explain to my husband for example that I have as much right to do the things I desire to do as he does.

I'm learning to stand up for myself at work, to not feel so intimidated and to let people know it is not okay to yell at me because they don't want to comply with Covid rules and regulations.

How would you feel saying something to your husband gently about needing to feel respected.

My husband told me once it was too expensive for me to drive to the beach...the next day he drove to the city and was out all day, had a meal with a friend and brought back stuff he had bought. I explained to him I was going to the beach and asked if he could reflect on how much money he had spent in the city. I drive to the beach, I take my own food and drink.

I explained I have needs as well.

I may be barking up the wrong tree here Shelley, let me know if I am!

Thinking of you and encouraging you to find one way today to look after yourself, we can do this while still respected others! Hugs to you from Dools

[Doolhof]

Hello Everyone,

I have not yet been for a walk today. I may have missed my opportunity for this morning as I am on call for work. The sun is shining so I might go out and pull some weeds, that can be my exercise and a walk might happen this afternoon.

Yesterday I was planning to visit a waterfall near us but it poured with rain so that will have to wait for another day. I did not have my rain jacket. I would have been drenched.

Shell, you mentioned singing. I wish I could remember the words to songs! I do a bit of humming and make up some words. The only song I ever seem to remember is Old Macdonald had a farm! Ha. Ha.