Good for you! I first became a walker back in January of 1980. I can vouch for how it can change one’s life. It sure changed mine.

I loved your story but one sentence made me grimace. You said, “ I even got a Fitbit to compete with friends.” For me, walking is a meditation, a spiritual exercise, a way to connect with the natural world, and a way to temporarily step out of the chaos and stress of our technological world. It is never, ever, ever, ever a competition. Competition sucks all the joy out of walking and puts us right back into that chaos and stress. And I never, ever bring any technology with me when I walk; no cellphone, no wearable gadgetry, no music, no headphones or ipod….. not even a watch. I also try to keep my mind as free of thoughts as I can while I walk. But that’s just me…..