"Stressed? Walk It Off!"

I don’t know about you, but in my life I have had some stressful episodes.  I have been in situations that required me to think, regroup, release some things (or people), and to basically deal with my new norm, or my current distress. Everyone deals with life differently; some may go through episodes of crying, binge eating or even mental revenge drills… but for me, walking was my thing.

During some of the most challenging times, when I knew what the problem was, and other times when I didn’t know, I would walk.   I recall one time specifically, I was in my 20’s, unmarried, employed and basically doing okay.   Something happened, and to this day- I don’t know what it really was … but I got seriously depressed!  Since I couldn’t identify what the problem was, I had a hard time counseling myself out of that place.   So instead, I rented a car (mine had just stopped) and I drove over 2 hours to Galveston beach, just to walk.  On the way, I listened to encouraging music that made me cry it out, and when I arrived at the beach, though it was dark when I got there … I walked.

POWER WALKING

Walking during distress for me is like Power Walking.  There is a certain pace that I keep when I power walk.  I have my arms set as if running,  my focus is on the ground (to ensure I don’t stumble) and I focus on the path in front of me- where I am going.   Each step becomes deliverance, each step becomes a victory.  While I walk, if I know what the problem is, I talk myself through it.  I admit my wrong, I admit my naivety, I admit my attitude etc…   I also look at what has been done and what others may have contributed.  If I don't know what the problem is, I talk to God about His plans for me, I remind Him (and myself) about what His word has promised.  Then I sort things out in my mind, what I am scared of and what I need to do.  I talk to God and ask Him for direction.  Each step is purposeful and often full of emotion.  Somehow when I finish this walk, I find myself in a healthier place.  I may not have caused the issue to disappear, but I have confronted it on many levels and that alone feels good.  God has used these Power Walking moments to help me keep things in perspective.

WALK IT OFF

In life you will most certainly have days and situations that stress, and depress you.  You will be met with things you cannot change, but you have to live with it.  Learn how to walk.  See the enemy intends to keep us in an immobile state and wants us to not do the things God has placed in our hearts.  When we succumb to the hurt and the distress, we often stop walking.  We stop doing the things that are engrafted in our hearts.  We may stop taking chances, stop trusting, stop trying and stop living.  Our smile may be weaker but plastered, our energy and drive is lax.  Don’t allow life to drain you, get up and start walking!  The bible tells us in Psalms 23:4 that we can walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and not fear.  See the valley is low, death may seem certain… but in this instance you are still alive!  The death you see is only a shadow.  It does not harm you, it cannot touch you; it can only scare you.   But God said we can walk through it and not fear because He is with us!   If you keep walking, trust me – there is light in your steps!

If you are stressing over anything, get up, get busy and walk it off!   Walking may not solve all the issues, but it will keep you moving and motivated.  Keep your eyes open, watch your path and focus on your goal.  Sitting slows you down, it takes your motivation and often causes your muscles to lock.  By continuing to serve, continuing to move, continuing to do what God called you to do, you hold a pace that is doable until you can begin running again.   You are not made to sit in depression and hurt, get up, get God’s word and His perspective in you and and keep going!  Remember you will never walk alone, not even on a dark beach!  God always walking with you!