One day last week I realized that it’s been two years now that I’ve been walking to work. My "commute" is two rather hilly miles each way, and takes roughly 80 minutes round trip. It all started when Steve’s car died. He was looking at replacing it and I said I had an idea to try first. I offered that he use my car and I try walking. When co-workers asked me how long I’d keep walking, I said I guessed it’d be about 2-1/2 years, but secretly I had my doubts. And already I’ve passed my second anniversary!

Immediately I noticed how much more energy I had and I was hooked. My cholesterol levels went down right away, I decreased my drain on the environment, and I obliterated our second car expenses. One of the best aspects is seeing the same people in my community every day. Lee waves to me from his picture window each afternoon, I pass Malcolm the crossing guard as he leaves work each morning, and a big black bear of a dog runs up to me and rubs his nose all over my clothes (not my favorite part). I start the day slowly in nature, not stressed in traffic, with peaceful time to think and pray. And that’s a very good thing.

If you live at all close to your workplace, I highly recommend you give walking a try.