At a time when finding a quiet moment for herself was hard to come by due to the start of the pandemic, Julie Erichsen found the solace she needed, and the opportunity for self care, by creating an intentional walking practice. And she did this with the help of 99 Walks.
Laura K Moore Photography
Julie, age 50, found herself in a very relatable situation in March of 2020. Her life as a stay-at-home mom and occasional substitute teacher changed overnight, and her recharge time while the family was away at work and school disappeared. “All of a sudden, my three school-aged kids were home all day and my husband started working from home, too. I love them all dearly, but I was used to some down time each day. I began walking to have a little quiet time for myself,” said Julie.
Creating a Habit
As a dog owner, walking has always been part of Julie’s life, but she never did it with any consistency. Finding herself ready for a change and a need to reclaim that precious time for herself, she discovered 99 Walks and became a member in April of 2020. “I came across an ad and I thought ‘that sounds fun!’ and will help keep me accountable for walking,” said Julie. “I got myself a 3-month membership and I also shared the information with 2 long-distance friends. It was a great way to connect with them and allowed us to hold each other accountable to our walks.”
A year later, Julie still finds herself walking daily. “I love the time to think. I like to listen to the classes and podcasts. Sometimes I listen to an audiobook, and sometimes I call and walk and talk with a friend. On each of my walks, I try to spend at least 15 minutes with just my thoughts and the sounds of nature,” Julie said.
An Added Benefit
But it’s not just time for herself motivating Julie to maintain a consistent walking practice over the last year, she also does it for her physical health. Reflecting back on her pregnancies and having gestational diabetes with all three, Julie learned the value of just a 10-minute walk after meals. Knowing she is at risk of developing diabetes as a result of her pregnancy complications as well as her weight, the power of a short walk recommended to her by her diabetes educator stuck with her, and even on her busiest days, she finds the time to make that walk happen. “Sometimes my 10 minutes ends up being a longer walk,” said Julie, “and sometimes it is just the 10 minutes. I feel good knowing even a short walk is improving my health.”
There’s something empowering about finding your right fit when it comes to health and wellness. “Walking has taught me that I can commit to something and stick with it. I am a great starter of things, but not always great sticking with it, and frequently not a finisher,” Julie admits. “Walking is a doable activity for me. I am a bigger girl (size 18/20) and I have often felt out of place in athletic activities because I am often the biggest one there. Walking is something I can do without special equipment or clothes. I can do it regardless of weather or time of day. And I can build my stamina seeing my improvement in distance or pace.”
What Works for Her
For those who may be struggling to get going or stay motivated in their walking practice, Julie suggests pulling out a daily planner and writing your daily walk in pen. “Pen means non-negotiable,” said Julie. “At my house, I brush my teeth every day and I walk every day. I might not shower everyday, and it is possible there is a pile of to-be-folded laundry on the couch, but teeth brushing and walking, well, those happen everyday.”
Most of all, Julie has finally realized the importance of taking time to fill yourself each day. She has discovered how taking this time has made her more whole in all the other areas of her life, something which she didn’t fully understand as a young mom. “I have so much more to give now because I am intentional in my refueling time,” said Julie. “I am a better mom, wife, friend, daughter, and employee because I now put myself on my care list.”
As a resident of Richland, WA–the sunny side of the state, Julie finds herself daydreaming about her time spent in Great Britain. “I would like to walk England's Coast to Coast Trail. I spent a summer studying in Aberystwyth, Wales during college and I love Great Britain,” she fondly reflects. “I would like to walk across the country and experience the sights, smells, and sounds that only happen when your feet are on a path.”
For Julie, walking has been a journey in loving herself. For taking time for herself each day to move, think, reflect and breathe. It’s a path she has taken toward healing, both mentally and physically. Julie leaves us with one of her favorite quotes that sums up her connection with walking: "The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast, and you miss all you are traveling for." —Louis L'Amour
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