Over the last few months, I’ve been trying to get out and walk at least four times a week. And if you know me at all, you know that’s saying something — because I am not an outdoorsy person. Bugs, unpredictable temperatures, all that outside nonsense? Hard pass.
But here’s the thing — I do love fresh air. I love when I can open all the windows in the house and let that breeze roll through, and I really do love where we live. More importantly, I know how much it helps my mental and emotional health! Not only to move my body but to spend a little time outside. It’s one of those small habits that’s been making a big difference lately.
Of course these walks have to be documented! I mean, clearly, I need proof that I’m actually going outside! 🍂🍄 Let’s be honest, if there’s no photo, did it really happen?
There’s not always gorgeous fall foliage in the background, and the leaves at my feet definitely aren’t arranged in a perfect heart shape.
Most days, it’s just me, a friend I’ve recently reconnected with, and the dirt path. Sometimes, it feels like those little, ordinary moments aren’t even worth pulling out my phone for.
But here’s the thing — they are. Photos don’t have to look perfect to be meaningful. That’s not the point of capturing a moment. The point is to freeze a small piece of real life — exactly as it is — and be grateful for it. These walks remind me that even in the ordinary, there’s beauty, progress, and proof of showing up. And that’s always worth remembering.
So much has shifted for me emotionally and mentally during these walks. Somewhere between the steps, the quiet, and the rhythm of moving forward, I’ve found space to breathe and think in a way I hadn’t for a long time.
I’ve had some really meaningful conversations — the kind that help you see things differently and break through struggles that have been weighing you down. I’ve also shared laughs over the silliest moments, the kind that remind me how good it feels to just be present.
Each time I come home, I feel more energized, a little lighter, and surprisingly grounded. These walks have become less about exercise and more about finding peace — one step, one conversation, one breath of fresh air at a time.
Honestly, this is exactly what my Autumn Memories & Gratitude Project is all about. Yes, it’s wonderful to play with all the beautiful products — the papers, the colors, the little details that make my creative heart so happy. But more than that, it’s about what those pieces represent.
Because at the end of the day, the moments behind the product are the true stars of the show. The laughter, the walks, the conversations, the quiet gratitude tucked into everyday life — that’s what makes this project so meaningful. It’s a reminder that beauty lives in the ordinary, and that every story, no matter how small, is worth documenting.
