Mindful Miles

My mind drifted today, back a few decades to a place I haven’t visited in a long time: my childhood living room on a Saturday afternoon. My uncle, the human exclamation point, was the star of the show. He was a football enthusiast of the highest order, and a true artist of the celebratory “GOAL!” scream.

We always made sure to maintain a safe distance once we sensed a goal was imminent. We knew the routine: the sudden intake of breath, the high-pitched cheer, and the spontaneous eruption of a flying, two-fisted jump that often included an impromptu kick. We learned early on to stay well out of the potential splash zone.

Anyway, that memory came roaring back today. It is the last week in August, and so I thought to check my step progress since I started Mindful Miles in June, and to my delight, I’ve met my daily goal every single day. And just like my uncle, I felt the urge to jump, to cheer, to make a victory scream! This time, though, it was a little more a quiet, satisfied “Goal!” just for me.

Here’s what I’ve learnt – Like any journey, I’ve had my very easy days; moments when it seemed I was fueled by nothing but pure grace and a gentle tailwind. But I’ve also had the very challenging ones, where every step felt like a personal debate. I realise the secret to achieving any big goal, whether it’s walking for a hundred days or anything else you desire, isn’t in finding a magic formula. It’s in the audacity of taking that very first step.

The monumental feeling of looking back on your progress is not just about the miles you’ve covered. It’s about remembering the day you decided to begin, the days you chose consistency over comfort, and the moments you learned that even a small step forward is a victory. Your journey is already underway, one step at a time. And when you finally have a moment to look back, you will see how far you’ve truly come.

Today, as I reflect on the power of taking that first step, I choose to celebrate June, the month of my own birth and also the month that gave life to Mindful Miles. And to you I say – May the many miles you cover be bright and beautiful.