A New Addiction
I’ve started something new, and after only a few days I’m totally addicted. It only takes half and hour a day. A diet book I’ve been reading suggested it and so I started it a few days ago, and I love it. I’m so addicted that I’ve been waking up at 5:30 every morning, just so I can get it in.
Without setting an alarm.
You’ve heard that you have to do a new activity for 21 days in order to make it a habit, right? Or is it 31 days? 15 days? I don’t know. Well, this took me 3 days to decide that I’m doing it for the rest of my life, God willing.
Do you want to know what it is?
Here it is: I’ve started taking a walk first thing–before breakfast–before coffee–before anything. I crawl out of bed, pull on some day-clothes and a jacket, lace up my shoes, and out the door I go.
I used to run most days, first thing in the morning, but I injured my ankle awhile back and I’ve been a bit sad about that and haven’t done anything. But I decided that it’s better to take a walk then to just sit at home and feel sorry for myself–right? And my ankle is at least healed enough so I can walk without pain, and that’s a wondrous thing. Perhaps by the end of the summer, I’ll be running again.
That would make me so, so happy. *Sigh*
I want to recommend an early morning walk to you, Gentle Reader, if there’s any way that you can swing it, at all. So many reasons why it’s good for you.
Reason #1: You can see sights like this:
Reason #2: And then you’ll see this:
Reason #3: You can talk to God, out loud, and you will not be interrupted.
And Reason #4: Even if you are clearly not in favor of the GM corn that is growing around your place, you can still admire the way the sun lights it up, illuminating the dew, can’t you?
Reason #4 Since the light is unlike the light at any other time of the day, you can take pictures like this:
See? Doesn’t that warm, inviting, early-morning rosy light make you feel optimistic about the entire day?
Reason #5: The mock orange bush looks like this at 6:15 a.m. and you don’t want to miss it:
Reason #6: The David Austin rose looks like this, as if God is lighting it up from inside, and you realize, with a start, that he’s doing it just for you.
It’s a shame that nobody else is around to admire it. But you are, and you do.
SEE?
And you see that here’s a visual reminder that He really does “take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph 3:17) else why would He do all this, just for you?
Reason #7: There are brown thrashers out and about very early, singing like mad to each other, all that silly inventive, imitative repertoire of other birds’ songs. I can hear a rooster crowing, and a cat meowing, sometimes, in their songs. Also the cheerful wrens are not busy feeding their babies yet, and can sing wholeheartedly for a little while. It’s a lovely thing.
Now you see why I’m addicted, Gentle Reader, as of just a few days ago, to an early morning walk. It’s totally worth getting up at 5:30, don’t you think? Or maybe a bit later, if that’s what suits you.
And then, when you return to the house–and to The List That Never Ends–you can face it, because you’ve had a pleasant few moments to yourself, out where the light is perfect and God is listening, and everything is sweet and quiet and dewy and the songbirds are singing like there’s no tomorrow.
It doesn’t matter that your shoes are squishy with dewy water from the grass and your toes are cold.
The coffee tastes especially good, and the kitten is mewing for company and looking like this:
I WILL get a good picture of this kitten, eventually, I will, I will!! (But perhaps, not today.)
And you don’t mind the fact that she will attack your ankles as you’re doing your writing this morning because you’ve had a blissful half an hour to yourself.
Do it. You’ll thank me.
You will.
36 thoughts on “A New Addiction”
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Hi Amy,
Great idea! So simple, yet so effective.
Walking is good for the body and the brain, and a superb way to start any day!
The birdsong cheered me up as soon as the video started.
I might have to think about the 5.30 start, but doing it as soon as you get up is definitely a good idea.
Thanks for the reminder,
Gordon
GreatGord,
Sometimes the very best things in life are the simplest things, don’t you think?
I love walking in the spring and fall and appreciating all that God made, a perfect time to commune with Him. Thanks for sharing and for all the pictures. Blessings!
Blessings to you, too, Dayna!
Great post, I think I will give a try my hubby is normally up then to start getting ready for work…would be a great start to my day! Going to try that starting tommorow! Thanks for inspriation!
Enjoy, Audrey!
Good idea, Amy! 🙂
Another one, you’ll beat the heat as the summer progresses.
Oh shoot, you’re right. . . Reason #8 (or did I do 8 already?): It’s cool in the mornings, at least so far it is!
How fabulous, Amy. This was one of the intentions I set for myself as I wrestled with my attitudes recently, but it’s the only one I’ve yet to institute. But you’ve really inspired me with your photos, and your enthusiasm, and the fact that it sets you up for the rest of the day so beautifully that I really do feel that I’m missing out by not taking the opportunity to do it. So thanks for the motivation today!
You’re welcome, Susan, and I do hope you enjoy some early morning walks very soon, too! 🙂
Oh, the early morning walk. 5.30 with the dog and you feel like the day is waking up just for you…magical!
Magical is right, Caro!
This sounds like one addiction that is actually good for you. What a great idea. And walking is great “alone” time too.
Yes, Alessa, you’re right! For us introverts, an early morning walk may be the only time we’re alone all day long! 🙂
I want to do this too. However, it’s not so nice where I live with traffic whizzing by. Of course, vehicles would be fewer at that hour. I’d still breath in the aroma from the horse chestnut flowers and maybe I’d catch an unwary rabbit or squirel at the roadside.
Francene,
Are there any parks nearby where you could walk? That would be more peaceful for you. I forgot to mention that I scare up birds and bunnies and deer on my morning rambles, so I would not be surprised if you caught an “unwary rabbit or squirrel at the roadside.” 🙂
I just find walking amongst natures beauty the most inspirational thing in the world. Once things have settled down a bit at home I intend to get with the programme 🙂 Thanks for reminding me x
It sounds like your hands are full at the moment, Anita-Clare, but hopefully you’ll have time for walking someday soon!
Amy,
An addiction that is positive! YEA….
I particularly like the talking to God reason and the peonies were beautiful. Loved your whimsical post and great suggestion.
Lynn Spiro
http://www.lynnspiro.com
Helping busy entrepreneurs master efficiency in their home and office
Thanks Lynn!
love the early morning walks. My wife is a regular on them and I try to join her when I can.
Good for you, Eric! Thanks for your comment.
A walk in the morning is a great idea and an awesome way to start the day. I have been trying to get in at least a half an hour walk every day – maybe I can just do it in the morning. Not sure if my son would appreciate me not feeding him before though! :0)
Well . . . maybe feed your son first? Enjoy, April!
I love hearing birdsong in the morning. That’s one of the pleasures of spring and early summer. I love the quality of light around sunrise and sunset – it is so wonderful for photography. I loved your birdsong video. The delight of knowing we’ve been given the blessing of waking up to a new day.
I agree, Alana! It is a blessing to actually wake up to a new day, and it’s easy to forget that!
Fabulous views, thanks for sharing. Your neighbourhood sounds lovely. 🙂
Thanks so much Paula!
I love to walk in the morning and you are 100% correct that between 5 a.m and 6 a.m. is the most delightful time to be walking. “the dew is still on the roses, and he walks with me and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own” it just sets the pace for a great day. I follow my walk with a nice cup of hot ginger/black tea before facing that “List That Never Ends” which at the moment includes sorting what goes to Mexico in the fall and what stays behind”
Hot ginger/black tea? That sounds intriguing, Chef. And I’m missing you already–Mexico is a long ways away!
After seeing these photos I feel like I took the walk with you! The flowers look so pretty! Love the sun coming up too:)
Thanks, Toni!
What a great suggestion! I get up early to –chanting, writing, morning exercise etc. I know when I take that time for me it helps my day go that much smoother , I get more accomplished and more energized and alive overall.
Yes! I think it encourages brain activity, and gives a person so much more energy, all day long! Good for you, Liz!
Thank you for the lovely photoblog. I haven’t been out that early in several months – too cold.
I will have to contemplate getting up that early and heading out to a local park for a short walk. Around here there aren’t a whole lot of areas for good pictures.
I also really like the way you incorporated the scripture rather than block quoting it. It makes it feel much more interwoven rather than tacked on.
Thank you again for sharing!
Thanks Casi! It’s very cold here, and somedays my only walk is just to trudge out through the snow to care for my chickens, but it’s better than nothing, I figure! Spring is just around the corner!!