Mar 25: Springing Steps

Sometimes it's the simple things, isn't it? Like taking a walk. How many of us do this anymore? I mean, do you ever put aside the day's demands and worries, find a short block of time and just go for a walk? No, I didn't think so. But that's okay, you're not alone. I suspect that relatively few of us venture out on walks anymore, quite honestly. But maybe more of us should. This time of year in South Florida is excellent for walk-taking. The temperatures are pleasantly warm, but not hot. The skies are clear and the sun feels welcoming. The trees and bushes are blooming. And many other people are outside too, maybe working on their lawns or washing their boats or whatever it may be - some busy folks you can greet along your unbusy way.

Trust me, this really makes for a very pleasant part of your day. I know this from first-hand experience because I take walks often, especially during periods of the year like this. Our weather is about perfect right now. So yes, I've been putting on my gym shoes but, instead of going inside some gym, I've simply headed outside my condo door for a delightful walk around my neighborhood.

I'm just back from my morning walk today, actually. It was great. There's a nice little community of single family homes beyond the large condo complex where I live. I crossed the street and could feel the sunshine against my face as I rounded the corner between two houses. I was moving at a more relaxed clip today than I've been walking lately, but for some reason it felt good. So I ambled down one long block, taking in the neatly cut grass and the trimmed hedges. As I came to another street, a neighbor waved and said hello and I smiled and did the same back. I passed pink bougainvillea and purple bougainvillea in full bloom and exchanged greetings with someone else who was out enjoying the gorgeous day, a pretty blonde woman riding her bicycle. By the time I got home, I felt both more invigorated and more tranquil than when I'd left a half hour earlier. I think it works just as well if you're walking around Las Olas or along A1A, across Lauderdale-by-the-Sea's beach or on Hollywood's Broadwalk. Or just through some  residential neighborhood near your home or maybe your hotel. A walk clears the head and soothes the emotions, it seems to me. I don't know about you, but that's something I sure can use during this spring season - or any time of year.