Noni Strand

I walked home from church today, rather than riding my bike to work as this challenge indicates. Because I didn't work, I hope that is okay. On the way home, I saw a colleague from work who was directing traffic at his church. He asked if I was out for a walk, and I told him that I was walking home from church. I wouldn't have seen him or talked to him if I had been in my car. And while I don't want "brownie points" for walking, it does model in action what I say are my priorities. I felt more engaged with my community by walking, rather than having my husband pick me up. And I emitted less CO2. Every little bit helps. Direct connection with the air and sunlight (or clouds) is lifegiving, rather than being cocooned and shut off in a car. This connection is important.

Being out in nature helps to put life into perspective for me. I take myself much less seriously, and I see how big Creation is. This wonderful weather with the windows open also feeds my soul with its cooler air. I feel cleaner inside. I think we would be a healthier and happier society if we spent more time outdoors on a regular basis. Being outside invites more contemplation and slowing down. It helps us to reflect and be grateful. That is a much better place out of which to think and act than crazy busyness and being stuck inside. Being outside also helps us to remember that we are a part of Creation, not a part from it or rulers of it. We would treat Earth more kindly, I believe, if we were outside more, developing our relationship with the natural world. 

I know that I crave sugar and sweets. They are my nutritional downfall.. Now that I am into this for 5 days, I have to intentionally choose not to eat it. It's hard! But I feel better physically when I don't eat added sugar. And I feel better emotionally because I am choosing to not eat it - and succeeding, one day at a time!