It was about six months ago, while strolling past the picturesque Chetpet lake in Chennai, just a stone’s throw from my home, that I noticed something simple yet profound: the pathway around it was bustling with walkers. On a whim, I decided to give it a try. Little did I know, it would turn out to be one of the best decisions I’d made in a long time.

Walking has always held a special place in my heart, a habit rooted deeply in my childhood. I fondly remember those evening strolls with my father, accompanying him to the shop a few kilometres away to buy cigarettes (a perfectly normal activity back then). The conversations we shared and the stories he spun during those walks are vivid in my memory, offering anecdotes and guidance that still shape my life today.

As I grew, walking remained an integral part of my routine, weaving through my college years and even into my early career. Though work sometimes dictated my movement, I still managed to get my daily steps in. However, with each rung climbed on the ladder of government service, the hours spent glued to a desk steadily increased, and the time I dedicated to walking dwindled. Adult life, with its demanding rhythm, had gradually nudged this cherished activity to the sidelines.

Now, facing recent health concerns and a strong desire for a healthier lifestyle, walking feels like a natural and intuitive choice. It offers a unique escape from the constant barrage of screens and digital noise, providing a precious opportunity to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with myself. Beyond the undeniable physical benefits, it’s a simple yet powerful way to reclaim a sense of balance and well-being.