Some people like to chat over a cup of coffee, but I’ve long known that my most honest discussions happen on a walk.
A recent study showed that in fact this is because when speaking while side by side we feel less afraid to share emotions than when staring directly at someone.
I suppose you can avoid their reaction if you aren’t sure what it will be and of course take a moment to compose yourself before responding to big news.
The last week afforded me endless hours of opportunities to communicate and my soul feels as though I’ve been standing under a waterfall. I’m thoroughly refreshed. So while others have their online coffee dates, I’m going to do walk and talks around here to catch you up on life!
A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world. ~Paul Dudley White
While I do truly love Orlando, it’s a beautiful city with so much happening, but I miss having people around who have known me for longer than a hot minute. It simply feels like they know the real me, from my weird insecurities to my goofy laugh to my need for both time together and alone.
CHICAGO
First stop Chicago!! Two of my college friends moved to Chicago in 2003 and I was beyond thrilled to connect them at the time when they were both new to the city. I loved the both for their own great qualities and they’ve become great friends, which means it’s super easy to see them both when I visit!
Jess is that friend who inspires me in ways she probably doesn’t even know. During our walk along the lake front I realized again just how amazing she is…the woman who moved to New Zealand for a year without fear. The woman who works her ass off to afford a great condo in Chicago AND amazing trips around the world. The woman who adores people and believes in the more the merrier {thank goodness that’s how I met her!}.
Amy is that friend who reminds me why I love being a strong independent woman. During our 13.1 mile race we chatted here and there, but mostly just knew we were there for each other and having a good time. Even in college there was never a competitiveness to our relationship which I feel can happen with so many women, we didn’t need to push each other because we both knew the other is always doing her best.
I have two doctors, my left leg and my right. ~G.M. Trevelyan
Corey is one of those fast friends, you know the kind you meet and instantly connect with! We’ve now had a chance to meet up in Houston, NYC and Chicago thanks to our shared running love and city moving for jobs. I assume our next meeting will be in another random city.KANSAS CITY
Since my parents actually live outside the city now, I was over the moon that my childhood friend Caylin took the day off work to pick me up at the airport and then spend time together.During our walk we did what we both do best, philosophized about the crazy people in our lives, talked about work and goals and dreams and her adorable new man. In fact we were so busy talking non-stop I didn’t even get a selfie! BOOOO. But I did of course snap some shots during my run of the great neighborhood…yeah I do miss this city and of course wish I’d had more time to see more old friends.
COUNTRY LIVING
Tuesday through Friday was spent out in the boonies soaking up the love of my parents. Between four wheeling, food and shopping I managed to get in walks with both of them as well.
First yes I was waiting by the window just like a pet who knows someone will be home soon to give them all kinds of love...it’s good to remain so excited to see your parents. We followed that up by a family trip to the bookstore, yup that’s where my love of reading comes from and as it turns out they don’t have a whole lot of bookstores in a town without a stop light or grocery store. I helped them move in to their house in August and wasn’t sure what it would feel like to stay there. I mean I was no longer going back to my childhood home…turns out it’s all about the people who live there because I instantly felt at home once again.
Thoughts come clearly while one walks. ~Thomas Mann
Though admittedly different as we never once rode four wheelers in the city during my childhood! Though when I asked for old clothes I think I may have wound up in all my old things.And I used to be able to walk out the front door to run…now well not so much. Which is why I loved that they were happy to drive in to town one afternoon so I could run on the Katy Trail while they enjoyed soaking up the sunshine and walking. {see I think everyone should walk and talk!!}
Do you like to walk and talk?
When was the last time you visited a far away friend?
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