Sidewalks and Serendipity: What Walking Can Teach You

Sidewalks and Serendipity: What Walking Can Teach You

If you’re like me, you’re always in a rush. Our culture has conditioned us to use achievement and accomplishment to measure our worth. While working hard is not overrated, neither is slowing down.

So, what does it take for you relax? My two best excuses to slow down are attached to my ankles. Getting on my feet to take a walk is the best way to clear my head and encourage creativity.

And while this has always been true, it took a Fitbit to realize it. Thanks to Thrive Caine and my goal to get *as close to* 10,000 steps as possible, I now make a conscious effort to walk more. When I need a quick break during the workday, before the sun goes down in the evenings, or on a clear Saturday morning, I often have the urge to get out and get moving.

My pastor recently encouraged the congregation to “go marveling” – or to simply make space in your life to be awed by the outside world. In my walks around the block of 111 Williams Street, I’ve noticed gorgeous details on historic buildings, seen orange and yellow leaves falling, and said hello to the workers of nearby businesses. On my walks at home, I’ve met neighbors, watched the sunset, and realized that it is, in fact, possible to walk to the grocery store.

The automobile-focused society we live in praises efficiency but lacks community connection. We miss opportunities for conversation and observation which would cause us to feel more rooted in our area. The Huffington Post says it well,

“Many studies find that compact and walkable neighborhoods exhibit higher levels of social interaction, a ‘substantially greater sense of community,’ stronger place attachment, and higher levels of trust than do conventional sprawling subdivisions.”

And while not all of the important places in our life are walkable, if we’re making a concerted effort to take a stroll when we can, our health and our communities will benefit. Next time you feel bogged down, take 10 minutes to go marveling. Who knows what you’ll encounter?

About the Author

Virginia Wilson is the Marketing Content Specialist at Coldwell Banker Caine. As the content specialist, her job involves two of her favorite pastimes – social media & writing! Virginia also loves walking with friends, trying new coffee shops, and experimenting with recipes.