Walking is an excellent way to get to know you. I have always liked to take long or short walks for many reasons; releasing stress, thinking, or just making a connection with my surroundings. The winter weather has been so wonderful in Georgia lately that I decided to take a walk on New Year’s Day. The town where I live is small, only one main street but there are many hidden places and trails to get lost and enjoy nature as it is.
So there I was listening to my own steps and enjoying the views around me. I could hear the dried leaves under my feet, the wind playing with the naked branches, and the waterfall that, for some reason limits the amount of water during this time. While embracing all this beauty, I suddenly realized that people in general are used to look and perceive only those things closer to them. I could see the trees and bushes next to me but until that moment I have not taken the time to look beyond what was near, far away in the horizon. I was limiting my view just because I could not take the time to look farther.
I thought about how many times in my life I have been limiting myself by doing that. How many opportunities I missed because I did not look at the many possibilities beyond the ones right in front of me? How many people I failed to meet because I was just focusing on those within my circle? How much time I wasted because I was just paying attention to my own time?
I never thought about this. Every morning I love to wake up to the vision of the tall trees in my yard but I have never taken the time to explore behind them. I have inhabited my house for five years and I don’t even know what’s behind those trees I adore. Those trees are my dreams, the goals I have set. How come I would be able to reach them if I don’t dare to enter and reach beyond what they offer to me in the surface?
I have accomplished everything I have set my mind into but still, this walk made me understand that I have also missed many bright days by blinding myself and not seeing the whole world of opportunities and insights I could have had by giving my attention to what lies beyond.
I thank the unpredictable Georgia weather for allowing me this day and to my inner voice for sending me to the woods. From now on, my vision will be broader and limitless. I invite you to try it. Next time you take a walk don’t look just at the stores, the people, or the events you could literally touch. If you are sitting on your porch, don’t look at your neighbor’s house; look at the roofs far away. If you have a dream, don’t limit your vision to the tomorrow but see yourself shining in the horizon.
