The Art of Wandering : 31 day pact

Goal : Walk at least 1 mile every day for all 31 days of January ✔️

I decided I was going to start walking at least a mile a day just to get out of the house and let my eyes find the sunshine and magic in my days. I didn't start my walking as a new year's resolution or an attempt to lose weight,  I started moving my body simply because I wanted to ensure that I never wasted a day inside and not taking the time to see the beautiful world when it's right outside my door.

Yes, I have a lot to do. And yes, I have a lot of creative ideas. But the idea of not leaving my house makes me feel like a hermit, and I don't like it.

Getting out into nature in Bidwell park or even just going on a walk around my neighborhood. Smiling at passing, community members also getting out to move their body, too, and enjoy nature.

This month, I got to witness a blue heron hunt a ground rodent and swallow it whole.

I found a fairy village on the side of the path in upper park and stopped my walk to create a fairy garden as evidence of the fairy village sign that was there.

I crossed paths with a black-winged kite bird and watched its friend fly from the top of the tree and make the most beautiful sound.

All but 2 of the days this month, I walked in the sunshine and not in the rain -  it was windy and gray some days but it was sunny and more than pleasant to be out letting the sun find my back to warm my body through my jacket.

I witnessed a young man climb a very steep hill on his mountain bike yelling "oh my god. Oh fuck - oh my god - yes!!" He saw me and looked over and said he hadn't climbed a hill that hard in over 5 years. I told him congratulations you just did it!!  he smiled so big and said, I hope you have an incredible day as he rode away continuing saying, repeating oh my god!

I witnessed so many dogs bounding across the open field, overjoyed with things to smell and people to greet.

I found more than 5 types of blooming plants and saw SO many birds.

I saw a big water drop sitting on top of a bird feather atop the water in Horseshoe lake.

Little kid adventurers out on a hiking day adventure in the park.

I smiled and waved as I passed a gal outside enjoying the sun in my neighborhood with her dogs as she shouted "Wait! I met you at farmers market - your jewelry is beautiful! If my van is here, I'm here - feel free to stop by!"

I talked to a gentleman in his 80s who spotted my camera and made mention of having one of those at home. I wish I could see his photographs. To witness the world through his eyes for a moment. How long had he been a photographer. What did he enjot capturing?

I saw a couple sitting in the back of their pickup truck on the truck bed as they watched the sunset together. I wondered what their conversation was about - was it lighthearted and silly, or were they deep in contemplation - were they new to each other friends from the dorms or lifelong friends?

I watched a man bring his son, who was no more than 3 years old, to go fishing at the park.

There was one evening I saw so many heart rocks I lost count!

I was gifted extra lemons from a neighbors tree as I walked by their yard.

I found my last name carved in the cement a few blocks away from my house in the sidewalk.

Listening to the frogs and the crickets come alive makes my heart smile, knowing the earth is well when you hear their noises.

I got to accompany my parents on their monthly hiking adventure to show them my favorite place, Bidwell Park.

I saw more than 6 deer cross the road at sunset and witnessed an entire row of cars patiently wait and observe the family of deer. Nobody seemed upset. Everyone seemed amazed.

I hiked a trail in upper park I hadn't hiked before.

I wore a baseball cap for the first time as an adult and ran into my 12 year old best friend in the park who had also just bought a hat, we looked like twins.

I spent time on the phone catching up with my best friend.

I took photos of my jewelry.

I took photos of nature.

I stood in awe.

I felt my heart beat and my lungs take deep breaths and my legs support my body.

All of those moments I could have missed out on if I didn't make this commitment to myself to get out of the house for at least one mile every day.