Every Sunday, my mom and I go for a hike together. She recently moved closer, and these walks have become our special time to connect, catch up, and decompress. My mom does not share my passion and enthusiasm for exercise and fitness. For her, these walks are less about fitness goals and more about enjoying the moment.
I know how beneficial strength and stamina are for aging well, and my mom knows that too. She listens to my podcast, hears my advice, and sees my work – yet she has no desire to pick up weights or join a class. She just loves our walks, our conversations, and the time spent together. And that’s her version of well-being.
There's a part of me that wants to sprinkle in a bit more “fitness” – maybe throw in a hill climb or add some fast walk intervals to our hikes. I hold back, knowing that if I pushed my agenda, it would change the experience for her. My “win” isn’t getting her to follow my routine; it’s honoring her desire for a simple, enjoyable walk that’s ours to share.
I let her lead the way. She chooses the route, the pace, and the distance. Every Sunday, she says, “I just love our walks.” That’s the real reward – an activity she genuinely enjoys and wants to keep coming back to. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for the people we love is simply meet them where they are and find joy in doing an activity together.
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