Walking More

Last month, I posted Sunday blogs following the theme of American Heart Month. In one of those posts, I mentioned that my husband and I had parked our car and walked places about 2 miles or less from the house.

Not all in our circle have meet this decree positively. It really amazes me the comments people make about a decision that does not affect them. 

One neighbor has made his mission in life to inform me (repeatedly) that the short distances I am parking the car won’t make a difference to environment. Frankly, I think every little bit helps. And, the new policy means that on average I only use my car twice a week. But, our decision was to exercise more.

My favorite comment was “Why don’t you just become Amish?”. Now, I have a lot of respect for people who live their beliefs despite how mainstream society treats them. However, it is not a lifestyle for me.

How did the Amish get pulled into my personal choice? Well, this friend knows more about me than most. I do not have a house phone line and rarely use my cellphone. About a year ago, I disconnected our television from both cable and satellite because it had not been used in 6 months. Most of the television I watch are British shows. The little television we watch is from DVDs, streaming video, and blu-rays.

While my husband and I have chosen to live a simpler lifestyle, I do not want to live the Amish one. I am very attached to my DVDs and MP3s. Yes, I know that I could order books in “Dead Tree” versions. Please, don’t make me give up my Kindle Touch or my Fire.

Most importantly, I live in South Central Florida. I can’t even image life with air conditioning. Actually, I can. I did it last August when ours died. It is not an experience I am eager to repeat.

Yes, we walk most places. It is a slower lifestyle. Amazingly, both of us, really enjoy this new pace. I get to speak to neighbors,watch the children climb on the local jungle gym, and pet the dog that lives three blocks away. All of which would be harder to do if I was speeding past in an automobile.