There are days when discipline means lacing up your shoes and heading out the door.
Then there are days when discipline means doing less.
Earlier today, I had already made up my mind - I wasn’t going for my usual walk. My body had been telling me to slow down. Between work, recent health scares, and simply feeling run down, I knew a full workout wasn’t what I needed.
Then Oreo looked at me.
Anyone with a dog knows that look.
So we compromised.
Not 5km.
Not there.
Not even one.
Just 580m.
A slow stroll around the neighbourhood as the evening sky transformed into soft shades of blue and pink. The air was cooler, the neighbourhood quieter, and or a few minutes, nothing needed my attention.
No step goal.
No calorie target.
No pace to maintain.
Just Oreo, me and a beautiful sunset.
I used to think progress only courted when I pushed myself further than yesterday. Walk farther. Walk faster. Burn more calories.
Lately, I am beginning to realise that real progress also means learning when to stop.
Recovery isn’t giving up.
Recovery is part of moving forward.
As I continue working towards better health - and ultimately preparing for my Camino journey - I am discovering that listening to my body may be one of the most important lessons of all.
Today’s walk wasn’t about fitness. It was about kindness.
Kindness to a body that’s been through a lot.
Kindness to a mind that needed a queit evening.
And kindness to a little dog who simply wanted to spend a few minutes outside with his human.
Sometimes, the shortest walks lead to the biggest reminders.
Pound by pound. Step by step. Day by Day.