Walk with Me in Tucson

I moved to Tucson from the east coast in 2001 and am thrilled I did! During the winter months of December, January, February, and March, I breathe easy and appreciate not having to shovel snow or walk in slush.

Here in my city, one that's surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, I dash out for a hike or walk in a sweater or light jacket, sweats, and my athletic shoes or hiking boots. I'm good to go.

On one day's hike, here are a few things I saw. This beautiful Palo Verde Tree.

I also saw a saguaro, prickly pear, and basked in the beauty of a perfectly clear blue sky.

On to another day, as I strolled along in Downtown Tucson, I saw this vista. It's a picture that captures one area of the city, showing one section of the Catalina Mountains in the background.

On the third day I saw this humongous figure on the University of Arizona Campus. Isn't it a neat sculpture?

On the fourth day I saw this...

It's a decorative screen gate in front of a residence. I love the scroll work. Tucson is home to many exceptional craftspeople, iron workers, and metal artists. I don't know the name of the artist of this one, but I love it.

No matter where you walk or hike in Tucson, there are interesting or beautiful things to see. Walking is a cheap exercise that can even be thrilling. All you need are a good pair of walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a sunhat and sunglasses, some time, and an adequate supply of water to keep hydrated.

Do you walk outside for exercise, entertainment, to run errands, and/or to learn about new places and things? Please share your comments about that with me below.

Walking is one of my favorite pastimes. Even when I'm grumpy at the start, breathing in fresh air, a change of scene, and mild temps lift my spirit and energize me. 

Walking grounds me to mother earth, gives me a sense that my Higher Power is with me, and introduces me to new sights. Walking also refreshes my perception of places I've visited before.

Walking often calms an overactive mind. 

Walking allows creative juices to flow.

Walking reduces stress and relieves aches and pains from sitting.

Walking briskly gets blood pumping and lungs oxygenated.

Walking without a specific destination in mind is a way to stay present and live in one moment at a time.

Walking outside provides a dose of natural Vitamin D from the sun, and is an element that helps prevent depression and promotes sound sleep.

How often do you walk outdoors and what tricks or tips do you use to get yourself going? At times, I need extra motivation to stop what I'm doing to walk. You know, those sticky times when I'm glued to my seat at my computer, and think I have too much to do and too little time. 

Please comment below with motivational ideas, tips, tricks and comments about walking. How many of you readers have ever visited Tucson and how many of you are locals? Sure would love to know more about you and your willingness to exercise outdoors.

My parting picture is of cowgirl Nancy A, outdoors at Trail Dust Town. What a hoot!

The quotation for today is:

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." Audrey Hepburn. Read more at: brainyquotes

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Value Your Work, Value Yourself

The past three days leading up to Labor Day has been an opportunity for me to reflect about the importance of “work” in my life and how purposeful activity has bettered me. Perhaps you know that in addition to my being a Wellness Blogger, I am a Health & Lifestyle Writer, Author of Colors of Joy: A Woman’s Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss, and Independent Publisher at Align Publishing LLC.

Many years of toil, persistence, and patience with myself and my learning curve has taught me much. I have a strong work ethic and do my utmost to create interesting content that features ideas and tips to enhance the quality of your life. I’m enthusiastic about the topics I choose to share with you. The writing process makes me happy, and today I savor my process as much as I do the bounty of my efforts.

  

I’m grateful I continue to feel excited about learning new things. My next project is to increase my technological ability in order to expand my audience and touch more people with my words. My goal is to be of service to others and stimulate thinking about health issues, wellness topics, food and recipe information, travel gems, book recommendations, writing tips, environmental issues, and relationship and self-care skills.

On this Labor Day, I pause to honor all workers who live in our great nation. I encourage you to do your best every day, whether you are an entrepreneur or work for someone else. Be conscientious and go that extra mile whenever you can. Take my word for it. It's worth it. You're sure to gain proficiency, have more self-confidence, feel gratification for the effort you put in, and even may be noticed and promoted. 

If you don't feel good about your current occupation, or feel under-appreciated or under-paid, recognize it as a sign that your self-esteem is lagging, you need to speak up for yourself, and/or it’s time to move on. Before you take this step, it’s best to have another job lined up. If you want to shift gears, and need additional schooling to prepare, have the courage to go for it. 

Another good way to investigate a new career is to speak with those who already do this job.  Why not volunteer in a field that you are considering and see whether it is a good match for you? At the very least, you'll find out what skills are required in that position, meet contacts, and learn what leadership qualities make people in this role stand out in a competitive market.

Be daring! Let your unique talents and gifts shine. Cultivate them on your career path and your spirit will dance. Everyone has something that is special about themselves. I believe our life purpose is to discover what that means for us. 

On Labor Day I especially want to salute all those who are raising or have raised children. Your job is extremely valuable and challenging , and many of you also maintain your household, serve in the military, and/or are our bus drivers, police, waiters, teachers, technicians, shop owners, and the countless others who are part of the work force. Whatever your job may be, do it well! Kids learn from our guidance and the example we set.

What do you value about your work? What challenges and growth has occurred as a result? What self-care techniques help you function well on the job and in your down time? Please comment below. Then share the love on social media. I'd love for you to become a Google+ follower. That way you'll get an update automatically (about twice a month), when I post. 

The quotation for today follows:

"No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence." -- Martin Luther King Jr

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