Recently while on holiday, I practiced my ‘Just One Minute Monday’ as we walked to the shops for our groceries. My son and his girlfriend were walking in front of me, the shops were a ten minute walk each way. The average temperature from 10am to 8pm was 30 degrees. It wasn’t an easy walk in that heat. I’m not into counting steps and I don’t own a step counter but lots of people exercise now by counting their steps and increasing the number of steps they take daily.
I thought about the amount we walk everyday and particularly the pace we have become accustomed to.
I wondered how often do we actually slow down our steps? Have you ever even noticed how fast you walk? Do you constantly rush from one task to the next? Because I was on holiday I paused and focused on my steps. I slowed down my steps. I noticed the inclines and the declines.
I listened to the sound our steps made. I felt my heart rate slow its pace. I felt grateful for those moments, those steps I was able to enjoy in the company of two young adults.
When have you last paid attention to how fast you walk? Have you ever deliberately focused on your steps? Maybe today is the day to focus one minute on your footsteps.
Hi... failte (Irish for welcome! and pronounced fall-thhha).
I'm a newbie to blogging, here just over a year, but what a great year it has been!
I've turned the corner to 50 recently and two things become more relevant...time and experiences!
Material possessions are less important! Using time wisely and truly experiencing each day holds a new significance for me!
If you wish..., a little of the back story...
I''m blessed to be married to a kind and loving man for 28 years, we have two children now 19 and 21.
As I approached 40 and searching for something more, whilst holding down my then part-time legal secretarial work, I trained as a voluntary adult literacy tutor, with the hope of helping adults improve their literacy skills and have a second, and better experience of learning!
However, little did I think that wanting to help others improve their lives would see my own life improve beyond measure also!
You see for years I found it difficult to know what to do as I watched our two children suffer at the hands of bullies. Their struggle began to change when I returned to education! Through education I slowly gained valuable knowledge, I grew in confidence and self-esteme and it had a ripple effect!
By 2014, aged 47 I had completed a Higher Certificate in Literacy Development and a B.A. in Adult Education. I love my work as an adult educator, particularly when adults trust me enough to let down their defences and 'let me in'. Then I can help them by getting to know what makes them 'tic' and what 'lights their fire!'.
As an added bonus along the way I've realised that I also have a love of writing and that writing is cathartic (providing psychological relief through written expression of built up emotions), both for my students and myself. This blog enables me to pursue that new-found interest and I've really enjoying reading your blogs, sharing comments, getting to know so many people and gaining new perspectives. I also like to share any little 'gems' of learning I've gathered along the way!
Thanks for sharing your stories and for helping me realise that it is all possible...and that together we write a truly better story!
Much love,
Marie x
I love this! How often do we think we are way to busy to take a minute to chill out? Back before my MS strongly urged me to “retire”, this was my main excuse for not exercising or practicing self care. I love the notion of adding a moment to breathe while talking a walk, whether it’s to the mailbox or around the block! Thank you for the reminder!
Thank you so much for your lovely enthusiastic comment. It makes me happy to know my post resonated with you! I think you really got to the crux of it when you say “we think we are way too busy”…it’s all down to how we think! Also I’ve noticed that some people have to be seen to be busy, they couldn’t possibly take time out to pause or relax. Please let me know if you try a “Just One Minute Monday!”
Like breathing, we forget that we do it but just setting an alarm on your phone for once a day or even once on Mondays has to be the starting point of a healthy new habit! Thanks for reading & commenting.
Good tips. I try to go for a walk every day at lunch time to breath and release the stress. But with the job I’m doing walking at a fast speed has become a way of life for me.
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July 3, 2018 at 3:18 pm
I love this! How often do we think we are way to busy to take a minute to chill out? Back before my MS strongly urged me to “retire”, this was my main excuse for not exercising or practicing self care. I love the notion of adding a moment to breathe while talking a walk, whether it’s to the mailbox or around the block! Thank you for the reminder!
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July 3, 2018 at 5:29 pm
Thank you so much for your lovely enthusiastic comment. It makes me happy to know my post resonated with you! I think you really got to the crux of it when you say “we think we are way too busy”…it’s all down to how we think! Also I’ve noticed that some people have to be seen to be busy, they couldn’t possibly take time out to pause or relax. Please let me know if you try a “Just One Minute Monday!”
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July 6, 2018 at 5:00 am
Yes, I try to do this often, I call it taking time to smell the roses… Great post Marie.
Jennifer
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July 6, 2018 at 11:00 am
Glad it works for you Jennifer! Thanks for stopping in to visit and to share your encouraging feedback.
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July 7, 2018 at 3:04 am
You’re welcome Marie.
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July 14, 2018 at 4:20 am
I like this post, Marie. Thanks for the reminder. I walk too fast most of the time.
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July 14, 2018 at 6:43 am
Like breathing, we forget that we do it but just setting an alarm on your phone for once a day or even once on Mondays has to be the starting point of a healthy new habit! Thanks for reading & commenting.
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July 14, 2018 at 6:50 am
Good tips. I try to go for a walk every day at lunch time to breath and release the stress. But with the job I’m doing walking at a fast speed has become a way of life for me.
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July 14, 2018 at 6:53 am
It’s hard to change the habits of a lifetime Dominique but it probably starts with the first step in slow motion…
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July 14, 2018 at 3:31 pm
I’ll try that! 😄 Have a fabulous weekend Marie.
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July 15, 2018 at 4:23 pm
You too Dominique!
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July 16, 2018 at 4:33 am
😊💕
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