Today’s Walk: Gratitude & Optimism

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Because I was consumed yesterday by the 40th anniversary of the MSH eruption, today’s post reflects both Monday and Tuesday’s walks. One involved rain and the later was graced with sunshine.

Optimism and gratitude are the words I plan to focus on this week. I’m worn down by all the Covid-19 chatter. Please don’t misunderstand me, I by no means disrespect or disregard anyone’s losses at this time. I believe I heard this morning that the US death toll surpassed 80,000 people. Unemployment numbers are staggering and the economic losses are tremendous. We will feel the impacts of this for a long time; in one way or another and maybe not always directly but it will be there. We all need to periodically take a moment of silence and recognize the devastating impacts of the pandemic.

I’m so grateful that my family and I and the majority of our network are healthy and doing ok at this time. I’m grateful that I live in a beautiful place where I can blow off steam walking on the beach or headlands. I’m grateful that I am sheltering-in-place with a marriage partner who shares mutual respect and love for each other. I could go on but I think you get the idea.

I’m optimistic because the signs are there if you look for them. People have responded in amazing ways to cheer each other on and keep moving forward. On the local level strangers have been purchasing gift certificates for whale watching kayak adventures and gifting them to essential workers. Two local restaurants gave their exteriors a facelift which I interpret as their sign of optimism. Globally, actor John Krasinski and his family created a bright spot on social media with his SGN posts on Facebook and Instagram. SGN stands for Some Good News. Krasinski asked the public to send him examples of good news and then he shares them via a mock news report. How awesome is that? If you’ve missed those broadcasts check them out on YouTube.

So here are some images from Baxter and my walks the last two days. Frequent walking is keeping us sane and fit. This is one part of life at this time that we can all control. #iluvtowalk #walkingmakesmehappy #baxteronthego #SGN