I Would Walk 500…
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Aristotle
In April of 2018, I started a streak.
I decided to walk at least 10,000 steps that day. 12,721 steps.
The next day, I decided to walk at least 10,000 steps again. 12,806 steps.
Then, I did it again for three days in a row. 13,515 steps.
The streak continues, and today I hit a significant milestone – 500 DAYS IN A ROW! (I have 14,460 steps as I type this, and I’m getting ready to go on a walk with Leanne.)
That’s right. For the past 500 days, I have walked at least 10,000 steps every day.
Some of those steps have taken place on a treadmill. Some of happened in airports throughout terminals and even around baggage claim carousels. I’ve walked in my basement. I’ve walked in Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Guatemala. I’ve walked in rain, snow, sunshine, moonlight, and complete darkness. I’ve walked inside and outside. I’ve walked in extreme heat and extreme cold.
I’ve kept the streak alive one step at a time.
Walking every day has given me the opportunity to think, to listen, to enjoy God’ creation, to talk to other people (in person or on the phone), to learn, and to find money (I’ve probably found over $20 during these walks).
The Proclaimers recorded a song that is fitting for today – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles):
But I would walk 500 miles
Charles S. Reid & Craig M. Reid – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
And I would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walks a thousand miles
To fall down at your door
500 days of walking is just the beginning. I don’t know how long the streak will last, but I know it has been a great benefit for my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I will walk 500 more!
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11
What habit do you need to start today? What habit do you need to quit today? And what habit do you need to do again tomorrow?