As I read the www.RealAge.com messages this morning, I reflected over yesterday’s “river walk adventure.” More about that in a bit, but first, note some key inspirational messages found on the site this morning…

• The deceptively simple path to a fit bod begins with the easiest activity in the world: walking.
• A physical activity program that builds stamina, strength, and flexibility can make your RealAge as much as 8.1 years younger.
• America, it’s up to you to stop the aging crisis facing our country. Dr. Oz is hitting the road to bring health, happiness and longevity to your town – 10 years younger in 60 days.
• You have the power to slow down the aging process; you can EXTEND your life! It’s time to start understanding and automating your body’s biology so that you can reboot to your original factory settings.

I thought about all these points as I reflected back over yesterday morning’s adventure. Visiting Jasper, Indiana, and finding no Jazzercise facility in the area, I was forced to explore another avenue of exercise…my feet.

I had heard about Jasper’s “River Walk” walk/jog/bike trail. I waited till the sun was peeking over the tree line for safety reasons, since the area seemed remote and uninhabited by people.  I parked my car, and was immediately drawn to the beauty of Nature, finding a paved, lighted path leading over a wooden foot bridge and following the tree lined winding path of the river.

Not a soul around but me, the birds, and an occasional squirrel, I was overcome with the inspiration to jog, something I had not done in several years. The tranquility of the gorgeous trees against the bright blue backdrop of the sky was simply breathtaking.  

The brisk 35 degree morning temp awakened my senses as I slowly jogged farther and farther away from the town. How can one be stressed smelling the earthy aroma of trees, leaves, and the yet unpicked corn fields?

Slowly I drank up all that Nature had to offer. I turned around to return to my original point of origin and decided to take the trail in the opposite direction. On this part of the trail, I passed by three other people who were also taking advantage of the serene walk in the woods, following the path of the river.

Off in the distance, I saw a man open his satchel and sprinkle corn in a pile on the ground. I was immediately touched by his extra effort to provide food to the wild life. When I approached him, I thanked him for his sweet action. In delight, he told me to watch, just around the bend I would come upon a mother deer and her baby – eating the corn he had left behind.

Sure enough, just around the bend, there was a magical sight to behold. The momma and her baby picked up their heads to study me with curiosity. I slowed my pace so as not to frighten them. I started speaking softly to them, and they continued eating, allowing me to pass by, 3 feet away. What beauty there is in Nature that we could co-mingle on the path this first brisk day in November.

As I listened to the St. Joseph Church bells toll in the distance, I gave thanks for this gorgeous hidden secret in southern Indiana – and for there not being an available Jazzercise class. Had there been a class, I would not have been forced to discover the thrill of combining exercise with the beauty and tranquility of Mother Earth.

Yes, RealAge, the easiest activity in the world to “reboot to our original factory settings” is to take a walk. I highly recommend over-the-top benefits by combining it with the tranquility and peace of a Nature adventure.

Today when I got up, I put on my exercise clothes, but as I looked over my to-do list, I tried to talk myself out of going on that walk.

Every morning I pull an Angel card to see what special message I will be given for the day. Today the card I pulled spoke to the need to exercise, even if I think I am too busy. Well, if that is not fitting!

Today is the day before my very first book signing/seminar. I have twenty-three “must-dos” written in my planner for today, and ten of them are written in red ink. I made my to-do list as the very last thing I did last night before my head hit the pillow. I knew I had to be organized in the morning, ready to jump right in.

With the impending deadlines these past two weeks, every morning has been the same – I have been telling myself “I don’t have time to walk the dogs this morning.” In the interest of too much to do in so little time, I simply have not been taking the time for the walks lately. The card I pulled this morning set me straight:

“You have received strong guidance to engage in exercise, and this card serves as additional validation. Physical movement is essential to realizing your dreams, desires, and intentions. It gives you the energy and vitality that will help you begin and complete your projects. It opens you up to new, creative ideas.”

The summary statement says, “I know that you’re a busy person, but I promise you that the increased level of energy you’ll feel after exercising will give you the equivalent of more hours in your day.”

Well, if there is certainly anything I need in this day, it I more energy and more hours. I guess I’ll be taking the dogs on that walk….and then return to tackle that 23-item list!  :  )