I’ve always been optimistic, and for that I feel blessed. But the longer I am in this journey, and the more complicated my journey becomes, the more likely I am to find myself feeling a bit melancholy.
I think this is why I enjoy going for walks with different people. It gives me a chance to understand their challenges and their ‘hard’. It gives me a chance to get away from my journey, and for a brief moment jump into theirs.
In the last week I have discussed people’s journeys with suicide, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, a newly diagnosed cancer, challenges of caregiving as well as family and business challenges.
Not all the walks are this heavy, but for some reason this week happened to feel like I was operating a walking psychosocial practice. .
And it gave me joy.
Walks with Jim provide me with a purpose, they provide me the chance to be a sounding board and friendly ear. They provide me with the positive energy of a shared experience.
They also give me a reason to venture out into April snowfalls.