Mindful Miles

The school bells are ringing, a new song they sing, and oh, what a welcome relief they now bring! For during our holidays, my two little ladies were glued to their screens, like tech-savvy babies. Our walks were a challenge, a fight, and a plea,

With questions a trio, aimed directly at me:”Where to? Is it far? And what can we buy?” Which often meant walks were a no-go, or why try?

I remember one time, we started our trek, just five minutes in, a small plea from a speck: “Mum, can we get drinks and snacks?” so we stopped at the store.

Ten minutes later, as we walked past another store, she saw something more —A unicorn, stuffed, with eyes big and bright, And so it joined us, a magical sight.

Then barely five minutes later, with a mischievous gleam, she asked, “Mum, can we go to KFC?” and shattered my dream.

That’s how my walk turned, in less than half an hour, From a hike through the streets to a trip with sweet power. We were loaded with drinks, snacks, a stuffed unicorn and a belly so full we could hardly move.

I realized those miles weren’t just walks, you see, they were shopping sprees on a mission for free. But now that the school books are back on the shelves, we’re getting our miles for our health, and ourselves.

The walks to the bus stop, a daily routine, or home from the school, a more leisurely scene. And my very favorite, the best of the bunch, is the park after school—where they run, leap, and munch on sunlight and freedom, with no screens in sight, just pure, unadulterated, wholesome delight!