DESIRE VS. ACQUIRE

There was a time when the ability to move consistently was something I wanted to build. Now I walk every day. That consistency matters, but I still have moments when someone acknowledges my progress and I respond as if I have barely begun.

I might say that I'm trying or fighting every day. I understand why I say it. The work continues. I have weeks when I need to tighten up other parts of my routine. But if I only talk about what remains to be done, I leave out what I have already built.

An ordinary purchase recently made me think about that pattern. I liked something before buying it and noticed a shift after I had it. I began asking whether I sometimes value what I desire more than what I acquire. The question carried over into my walking: Can I recognize the value of consistency once it becomes ordinary?

That doesn't mean every walk has to feel remarkable. Some days a walk is simply a walk. I can appreciate the practice without needing each outing to reproduce the excitement of beginning. And when something about the routine needs to change, I can identify that specific issue without dismissing the whole effort.

On your next walk, consider one form of progress you once wanted. Perhaps you get outside more regularly, make time for yourself, or have people to walk with. What does that give you now? Have you stopped noticing it because it has become familiar?

Then consider one thing you still want to improve. Be specific. Recognizing progress doesn't prevent another goal. It gives you a more complete account of where you are starting.

You can carry three questions into your next walk: What have I built? What does it still give me? What is one action that will help me care for it? There is no requirement to answer everything at once. Leave room to notice the walk itself.

Join One Step Walking Club on the Metropolitan Branch Trail at 8th & Edgewood Streets NE, Washington, DC. Saturday meetup is 7:30 a.m., with a 7:45 a.m. start. Tuesday walks run April through September, meeting at 6:30 p.m. for a 6:45 p.m. start. Tuesday walks are suspended October through March.

Follow along for the Desire vs. Acquire Reflection Audit. It is available at https://silasgrant.org/shop.