was just a decision. That is all. A decision. This. Not that. Now. Not later. Today.

The difference was huge, from the first hour, after walking became a ‘new’ absolute in the day.

Clarity came to my thoughts and has stayed. Deeper, better sleep too. Remembering dreams is easier too.

My way: Plain white cotton socks with any elastic fringed. Good shoes made for walking, with air cushion in the soles. I wore them many times to soften them, before I began walking about the neighborhood. I drink a glass of water just before I am out the door. Then I do a series of stretches.

Hat with brim, sunblock, safety sunglasses(to protect from debris thrown off by a passing car’s tires), and a container of water in hand. Long pants, and cotton T-shirt, Cell phone, ID, insurance card, and phones numbers copied, in case of emergency, in a fanny pack.

A strong, sturdy staff in the other hand, (for stray dogs, two and four-legged), and for a bit of extra weight. My route I share with husband or son, and sometimes a girlfriend. It’s a wacky world, emergencies happen, I want them to know where to find me if needed.

Six tenths of a mile in twenty minutes had me feeling so much better in many, many ways. A good feeling that continued through the day. With gradual increases over the days that soon became weeks, I’m at two miles and six-tenths.

Many beautiful things compete for attention EVERY WALK. Birds, sky and clouds, trees, garden plants, Magnolias, Roses, Gardenia and Jasmine fragrance are heavy in the air for SEVERAL blocks. So much beauty!

And there have been frightening things: near collisions of passing motorists and cyclists. One day I counted fifty Texters, in the driver’s seat of their vehicles, in a half mile’s walk. And children, little kids in the front seat, without a child safe car seat.