Early morning walks have been a favorite habit for many years. I have always loved being outside in nature, especially in the early morning. Since becoming a caregiver survivor, walks have proven to be a lifeline.

I often pray, express gratitude, and work out things weighing on me during this outside time. I frequently, quietly, talk out loud because speaking aloud makes me slow down and process my thoughts by engaging my brain more, which helps me gain insight into what is on my mind. I feel comfortable speaking freely because it’s unlikely I’ll be overheard early in the morning by anyone besides God, Sunni, and critters.

While I was working on writing You’re Not Alone: A Caregiver’s Story and Guide Through the Loneliness, Overwhelm, and Practicalities, walks gave me not only a physical break from writing but also much-needed emotional breaks and processing time. Now that You’re Not Alone is written, the reverse occurs. While walking – or kayaking, paddleboarding, or other outdoor activity – I process concerns, thoughts, and ideas, frequently revealing what I want to write and share.

In the introduction to my blog website (posted on the About page), I stated, “I wanted more from my life than I was giving it, and I wanted to feel joy and contentment in my day.”

This is where my writing plays a considerable part while I work to unearth Who I Am. The writing is aiding me in moving toward finding what I am striving for – and to do – in my life now that my previous life identifiers are no longer there.

I write because when we open ourselves to something within ourselves other than what we provide for another, we have the opportunity to unearth ourselves, heal, grow, and bloom.

My hope is as I share my journey of unearthing and evolving, there is something you can identify with that will encourage you, make you laugh, or bring inspiration.