'Just Walk With Me'

Are you stuck in a rut?  Do you do the same thing over and over again?  Do you like to keep on schedule?  If you answered yes to any of the above then that's not uncommon.  I like schedules except on the weekends and vacations.  We all get into our daily routines.  What I'm going to share is something rather simple but quite meaningful. 

I go on two walks a day with my dog Cheyenne.  She does well on a regular feeding and walking schedule.  Over the weekend I decided to do my afternoon walk in the evening and by chance went a different way than I usually do.  As we were walking on the sidewalk across the street and down an entire block was an elderly woman.  I literally could see her smiling from that distance so Cheyenne and I crossed the street to meet her.  It is not uncommon to visit with others on walks when you have an 'overly social' dog such as my Cheyenne girl!

Betty introduced herself and after talking briefly we realized we had some things in common.  She explained to me where she lives but I wasn't quite sure where she was talking about so she said 'just walk with me'. I learned that she is 80 years old and lost her husband 10 years ago but still has family in the area.  She had knee surgery on both knees just a year ago and walks daily.  We both enjoy having tea so I'm sure we're going to meet up soon.  Here's the thing.  I asked her what day would work out best for her and she proceeded to tell me her schedule:  mass every morning, volunteers for two different organizations a couple of times a week and something else that I just don't remember.  So we left it at I would drop off one of my business cards the next time I was in her area and she would call me back.

Here I was thinking that she would enjoy some company when in reality she is company to so many different people!  Wow!  To be 80 years old and living a life of contribution on a daily basis like that.  Her smile is contagious and she has such a genuine warmth to her.  I am looking forward to the conversations and the things I'm going to learn from Betty! 

As I mentioned above, this is simple yet meaningful.  Two things to think about:  change your schedule every now and then and go a different way to be open to the possibilities in your life.  Secondly, is there someone in your life that you can say 'just walk with me'?  That really stood out to me... 'JUST WALK WITH ME'. 
Are you walking along with someone or can someone walk with you?  What about both?  It could be in the form of: mentoring, friendship, helping out by babysitting, house sitting, errands, etc.  ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!  

But Robin, I don't have any extra time!  Well, you have your family and current friends and if they are struggling or need encouragement let them know you'll walk with them....  It doesn't have to be with someone new.

"The true measure of success lies not in how much you achieve, but in knowing you have touched the lives of others." 

Enjoy the weekend!

Much Love,
Robin