Finding My Stride

Saturday, June 27, 2026

I am learning—and in real time—about the profound difference between “doing exercises” and “moving with purpose.”

I’ve tended to be a cerebral type—happiest sitting with a book, dreaming of someday writing one. But as I age, things are changing rapidly. Much of what I experience today surprises me. Like, if anyone had told me earlier in life that I would someday be averaging something like 18,000 steps a day, I’d have laughed. Yet over the past several weeks, to my great shock, I have been stepping up to that entirely new rhythm—on my few acres and beyond.

Essentially, it’s about discovering a fitness routine that actually works for me. This one wasn’t designed by a gym trainer, but instead, by entirely different forces. It’s driven by a deep affection for animals, a strong sense of duty, and a love of the great outdoors.

This odd journey started with my longtime wish to correct some habitual “slumping” while standing and walking. Traditional methods led me to a competent personal trainer who guided me through structured, scientifically sound exercises. I struggled to keep up, but frankly, staring at a wall and doing isolated repetitions felt like a hollow routine. It offered no motivation.

This summer finally arrived, and I began taking my dogs on outings at a nearby BLM. In this same beautiful weather, I also started working with my horse, Sunny, to recondition her for pulling a carriage. Quite by accident, the BLM trails and my own barn area have become daily highlights in my fitness evolution.

In the cool, early mornings, the dogs and I head out to a nearby Bureau of Land Management trail. Initially, we only walked half of the trail’s entire to-and-from distance, with my eyes glued to the dirt to dodge rocky protrusions. As my confidence grew, we started completing the trail’s full three-mile round trip. I was proud of us, and before long, I wished to push myself a bit further by adding a pair of lightweight hiking poles to our outings. Those poles caused an immediate shift.

Without the poles, walking had seemed too passive for my upper body—not offering enough to correct my old slumping habit. But adding poles changed the physics of my stride and gave me new hope. I could physically feel the planting of a pole and the pushing off. Those pulled my shoulder blades back, naturally opening my chest. The physical feedback encouraged me to work harder, with more hope of eventually standing taller without constantly having to force myself to “straighten up.” Those poles also give me the balance and confidence to work on lengthening my stride. Maybe they’re also helping to realign my spine.

The morning hikes are only part of the equation. Most afternoons, I’m out by the barn, lunging Sunny—asking her to trot steadily in circles for forty minutes. That’s not passive exercise; we’re a dynamic physical partnership. Managing twenty feet of lunging line requires a firm grip and forearm strength, and staying centered as Sunny circles me demands a stable, rotating core.

My horse doesn’t give a hoot about performance standards—she reads my body language perfectly. My “standing tall” in the center of our ring is a constant act of communication. If my attention wavers, Sunny senses it immediately, breaks her stride, and drops into a walk, forcing me to resume active participation.

Between those morning hikes with the dogs and the focused afternoon workouts with my horse, my daily step counts have skyrocketed. By the time the sun sets, my phone typically clocks me at 16,000 to 18,000 steps.

This is an incredible evolution. It’s teaching that my mind and body work best when they’re engaged together. Not long ago, the gym-style exercise routine felt like a chore, but now, there are early-morning hikes and focused afternoons with my animals that feel like life. These high-count steps will help me maintain health, manage weight, and focus on better posture. All these are vital gains—and best of all—achieved entirely on my own terms.

Instead of struggling to keep up with a rigid, repetitive exercise routine, it makes sense to consider trading the gym for what you really love. Step outside, find your purpose, and let the natural environment do the heavy lifting.

— Diana

Presence

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

I’m in an excellent mood and unsure why my brain feels happier than usual. Maybe it’s to offset inner anxiety because I anticipate finding myself in trouble when I arrive at work this afternoon. Yesterday evening, while closing my department, I didn’t take care of two routines. The evening had been quiet, so my slips weren’t critical, but I am charged to do them always.

I must be authentic in considering all this, as brains don’t technically “feel” emotions like humans do. Some physical and social activities can release certain chemicals that induce the brain states we associate with happiness. Some factors that contribute to a “happier” brain are exercise, social connections, sleep, and purpose. Some or all might be fueling my brain with “happiness” chemicals (e.g., dopamine) in these moments.

Physical components are also involved. Exercise, sunlight, and gratitude are some of the things that might be helping to fuel today’s “high.” My exercise routines still aren’t enough, but are happening. The days are abundantly sunlit. I have worked on focusing, being aware, and expressing gratitude for some time.

Why do I feel happy today despite anticipating worrisome workplace problems? Well, complex brain chemistry forced me to do some research. Now I understand, that even in the face of impending problems, a brain can release neurotransmitters (like dopamine or endorphins) that lend temporary feelings of happiness. Maybe those are why I’m feeling happier today, with an upped willingness to go to work and face the music.

Everyone experiences emotions differently. Although feeling happy in the face of problems might be a healthy coping mechanism for me, that’s unlikely to be the same for everybody. I am accustomed to working at recognizing and comprehending my emotions, but often, that means wading in deep and complicated waters.

Dear Friends: Focusing on the present moment can increase happiness. Diana

Mind ‘n Matter

Saturday, June 15, 2024

My friend and neighbor Susie bicycled over and helped me handle some tasks that were too cumbersome or heavy for me alone. Besides being organized and kind, Susie can assume a leadership role. One of her interests is in maintaining good physical condition. After checking out my small workout assortment, she encouraged me to quit thinking about exercising and actually start doing it regularly. She’s right, and I’ll be on it.

Before feeding my critters, I will stretch this morning. My small rowing machine decently allows for a full-body workout, and Susie revived my neglected workout bench by demonstrating ways of stretching with weights. I must keep my head wrapped around exercising and stretching at least once daily.

Physically, I tend to slump, a lifelong and increasingly insistent problem. My spinal curvature makes it unlikely I’ll ever again stand straight, but yes, I could improve my posture. My resistance to exercising makes it critical that I work with my brain to “see workouts” as more than physical effort.

I intend to be mindful of the many benefits of daily stretching and working out that extend far beyond physical fitness. I need to feel involved with working out as being more in tune with my body and seeing its positive impact on my daily living. Working out routinely will bring the “stretch benefits” of mental and emotional well-being, personal growth, and social connections.

I recently acquired a cute journaling book and wondered how to use it. Problem solved: I’ll write notes daily about my workouts, feelings, perceptions, and all else associated with my efforts to gain physical strength and straightness.

Whew! There’s a plan, and it has key- and sub-goals.

It’s early to work today, and also my final shift as a roaming salesperson. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be a jewelry salesperson. As the newest person in the store’s Jewelry Department, I’ll be assigned to its late closing shifts. That will free my days’ early hours and make Susie’s observations timely. There will be adequate time for stretching, working out, and journaling.

Dear Friends: Healthy habits for stress relief and body straightening, just get going. Diana