Good-bye Mellow Brook Trail

The last time I visited my psychiatrist to check in, I felt empowered to make changes in my life that were not out of cowardice, but out of good sense. On the way home from that visit, I made a stop at a grocery store and noticed a car that was decked out with several of those new magnetic bumper stickers. They were very similar to the one I wrote about last year that stated, "Who Rescued Who?" The one on the car this day that moved me the most said, "It's a Dog's World... Adjust." I couldn't help thinking that my psychiatrist had followed me to that store just so I would read it. I felt like it applied to me specifically, and coincidentally, it was parked directly next to mine when I came out of the building.

I was reminded of that saying this afternoon. It had inevitably got filed someplace in my subconscious, but today it has had a noticeable influence on me. I recently asked my husband if he wouldn't mind adding my family members back on our local athletic club membership and he thought it was a good idea. So good in fact, the day I queried about the change, he went directly to the Club and signed us all up. I had forgotten how much I love working out. Walking and cycling has been my main medium for getting aerobic exercise because going outdoors is also something I love to do. I've said it before, Hardy was my gym. Since walking is such a major chore now, with all of the poorly behaved, wild and dangerous dogs I've been bumping into, I've decided to take action using my common sense. I've made a decision: no more dog walking for exercise.

I believe it's time for me to let go completely in a regular walking routine. It's time for me to adjust. There are plenty of other opportunities for my dog and me to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, and I plan to make use of those instead. For example, I love to garden, and I love to read, and I love to simply sit outside and observe the natural world. I can do all of this in the safety of my backyard, and I won't have to deal with anything to harsh.

I truly don't think Roxie will mind. She seems to enjoy eavesdropping on the chickens, occasionally trying to entice them to play with her when she is feeling spunky. Basically, she just wants to be with me anyway.