Backyard #WednesdayWalk
hive-155530·@shinyobjects·
0.000 HBDBackyard #WednesdayWalk
During the deepest, darkest times of the pandemic, when anywhere outside your own home was a risk, I began walking laps around our backyard pool. I worked long hours producing virtual events, managing crisis communication, and "pivoting" to offer online services for my clients.  In between all the endless, nonstop work, I needed a break. Any kind of break. So, I took to walking around my backyard. At first, it was 3-5 laps around the edge of the pool. Then it became 10 laps. Then I began walking the paved pathways around the yard to increase the challenge. At that time, any movement was welcome, but walking even our quiet and quaint neighborhood felt unsafe. However, my backyard was definitely safe. So I found ways to challenge myself by increasing laps around the pool. By walking faster or walking in opposite directions. Adding in the pathways along the side of the house.  Of course, these days, I am comfortable walking around my neighborhood. Waving to neighbors and sharing a greeting or comment on the mild weather we've had this summer. Of course, we all walk on opposite sides of the street and give one another a wide berth at intersections. Even with these small safety precautions, there is a real sense of freedom walking up and down the streets of our small neighborhood. Yet, it was not so long ago when doing so felt risky. Today for #WednesdayWalk the mosquitoes are out in full force. The recent rains seem to have given them a boldness that kept me home today. So, I decided to give a nod to those early days of the pandemic and walk around my backyard. This time I did so just because I wanted to and not because it was the only safe option. I consider that progress. 