The Simple Joy Of A Walk

Spring in bloom at Andrew Brown Park; photo by Elise Anthony

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:12

Somewhere between life, work and all the commotion in between, I forgot the joy of a simple walk. And we are all walking in uncertainty right now, and finally I stepped outside and savored the sunshine. Here are five discoveries I made along the journey.

1. My garden is blooming

Oxalis and pink phlox; photo by Elise Anthony

My lambs ear, oxalis, phlox and Blackfoot daisy are putting on a show right at my front door and I didn’t notice.

(So are quite a few “volunteer” plants, but that’s another matter.)

2. The bluebonnets are up

Bluebonnets at Andrew Brown Park; photo by Elise Anthony

See bluebonnets, gotta take a picture. It’s a Texas thing, y’all. With my shelter-in-place playlist on, I took to the trails.

3. Yep, spring is back

Trees budding at Andrew Brown Park; photo by Elise Anthony

Little by little, I relaxed and discovered new flowers and signs of spring all around. My worries were put to rest, something I sorely needed.

4. Oh hey, art at the park!

Art installation at Andrew Brown Park; photo by Elise Anthony

I even missed that my favorite park has a modern-art installation. 👀

5. Finally, kindness is all around

Sidewalk art; photo by Elise Anthony

Thank you to the street artist who left this note behind. 💖 Your words made an impact.

Tonight a news anchor said something profound about a walk she took with her family — may the simplicity and importance of slowing down stay with us forever.

That’s a step I hope to take too.

— Elise ❤️