Walking toward hope.
The world is in the grip of a global pandemic at the time of writing this post. We in England are once again in lock down. We hear so much of Covid19 that it’s never to far from our minds.
Going forward things are going to get worse before they get better. Now more than ever we need every one to play their part. Stay at home, do not mix. This will help save lives.
We have high hopes the vaccines that the drug companies are producing will help stop the virus. The rate of infection is very high. Our hospitals will be over run, and if that becomes the case people unnecessarily will die.
Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Stay at home that’s what we can, and all should do.
There are a high number of deaths each day now in Britain, those deaths are some ones mother father sister brother relatives or friends. Just because it hasn’t happened in your family. Imagine how you would feel if it did.
So please protect your family and loved ones, and by doing so will protect others. There is light at the end of the tunnel, stay safe.
Looking towards the future their will be a time when we can go back to some sought of normality, where we can mix once more with family and friends.
Let’s look forward to a time when Covid19 will hope fully be in our past. I look forward to the day when I can go out into the country side walking once more. Can this be something your thinking of. Make it happen.
If we want to go walking with a disability, their is no one to stop us but ourselves. Wanting to go for a walk and going for a walk are two different things. So if you want to take up an activity what ever that may be, as long as your prepared and your disability taken into account. And we do due diligence, making absolutely sure of any risk involved.
Some of us are full-bodied, others are not. Some have real struggles, others have not. But the one thing we all have in common is the human spirit.
No matter what life throws at us, we still wake up ready for another day. From conception to the grave, How come some of us are born with all our limbs working, While others have various degrees of disability.
I do not know the answer to these questions. What I do know is we all have the ability to be disabled, with our thoughts and deeds. So when we say we can, or we say we can’t, we are right both times.
So Let’s not disable our selves, unless we have no choice. We move forward with what ever form of disability we may have, and not allow our disability to stop us.
We know our limitations, but I believe it’s best to check with our medical practitioners, to be sure we are not putting ourselves in harms way, or any risk to our health. Be up front when consulting your doctor, off the type of activity you are planning.
It is better we know from the start, what we plan to do is going to be safe, for the type of disability we have.
Make it happen.
At the moment you’re reading this post, what are you doing, are you connecting with others, are you on your own. Are you in your house or flat alone, wishing you where mixing with others.
Are you lonely, if so then it’s time to do something about it. OK you say do something about it. The restrictions we live under now, will not last for ever. So prepare for better times.
Just because you have a disability of sought, does not mean, you are unable to take part with indoor or outdoor activity. Certainly not, and why should it. AS long as we are sensible and get the right information from our doctors.
And listen to the people who love us, we should be OK. If we want something different, in our lives. We have to stop wishing and start doing.
Day after day we get up and do the same as we did yesterday, so what’s new, that’s right you guessed it nothing changes. Most days will remain the same because we are creatures of habit.
But we can change some of our days to do something different, that will enhance our lives. But what will it take for us to change the way we live and think.
Being creatures of habit can be hard to change, but not impossible. Imagine the light switch in the house, you turn it on, you have light, you turn it off the lights go out.
Just a flick of the switch can drastically change the way we see things. Lights on lights off, what a difference. But what was it that made us turn the light on in the first place.
If you want something to happen, do not wish for it to happen, you have to do something and make it happen. We all have the ability to turn the lights on and off. So are we going to wish for change, or are you going to flick that switch.
If we want a better quality of life, it’s not life that’s stopping us. We all need to learn how to switch the lights on when we want change.
Switching the lights on and off sounds easy, but it’s still very hard to change. So what else can we do to help our selves to change. When we talk of changing our lives for the better, what do we mean.
I for instance do not want to change my life drastically, but would like some small changes. Its not easy trying new things. So what else can we do to help ourselves.
I always find it easier if I am with a friend or other like-minded people, who want to do the same thing as me. But what I hear you say if I do not have a close friend nearby, or have moved to a new city and find it hard to connect with new people.
Meeting new people can be difficult, walking with a disability will be difficult, life is hard. Keep pushing forward.
We are all a little apprehensive meeting new people, and can be daunting at times. It’s not easy but what’s the alternative, staying at home wishing for something to change.
Well we all know where that gets us. The lights do not go on unless we turn them on. Let’s make some small changes. We really can do this, just put one foot in front of the other. I have, you can.
Be different.
Make the changes you have to make, if you want to step out of your comfort zone. First their are certain things to organize. There is the little matter of the right clothing.
In the city if it rains we can take shelter in a door way, but when we go to the great outdoors it’s a whole different ball game. There are not always places that you will be able to take shelter.
In the country side we have to protect our selves from the elements we may encounter along the way. Walkers are fortunate in that their is no charge to go walking.
When starting any new activity their will be costs involved, with the very mention of money, we run for the hills. Remember If you run for the hills you better be prepared, in case it rains, LOL.
Clothing list.
- Water & windproof jacket
- Water & windproof trousers
- Hat & Gloves scarf gaiters
- Quality pair of boots or shoes
- Quality walking socks
- Thin layer tops & jumper
- First aid kit
- Energy food
- Water bottle
- Back pack
Moving forward.
Now we have acquired our equipment, the next step is to get used to walking in your new boots. Start off slowly take your time, do not go to far. Its best to go for short walks in your neighborhood, and build up your fitness levels and wear the boots in at the same time. Now for the exciting part, planning your journey, so where would you like to go.
If you have a friend who is going with you, together you can pick places that interest you both. There are many walks and trails where ever you live. All we have to do is find them. There will be one that suits you and your needs.
As I said earlier we have to be realistic in what we can and cannot do. Pick short walks to start with and build up your fitness levels.
Always remember when going on a trip to the great outdoors. Your safety is paramount always let family or friends know where you are going, and what time you will return. The idea is to be safe and have a great walking trip.
If you’re walking with a disability for the first time, go on a good day, that way you will have a positive experience, and will want to go again.
We are lucky, just being alive puts us in the lucky category. Every night we go to bed, and if by magic, we wake up next morning, regular as clockwork. I know it will not always be the case. But it will do for now, and now is what matters.
Life is for living. That is exactly what we should do. Go and live the best life we can. We now know disability can not stop us.
Best of luck.
I hope I have been of some help, and do hope you take the first step in to the great out doors and make some great memories. Have fun on what ever journey life takes you on.
Keep smiling even when the going gets tough. Remember we are all in this together. Remember the country side code, leave nothing behind. Be safe and have a great time.
If you like the idea of going for a walk, follow me.
The world will not forget all the people who lost their lives to Covid19 and other illnesses, but we, that are left will carry on. Our thoughts and prayers are and will always be with every one who have lost loved ones. Take care. John.
