When we moved less than a mile from our old house, your dad and I didn’t expect anything to feel that different.

But now, whenever someone asks how we like living here, our answer is always the same: we love the walks.

We walked in our old neighborhood, too. But this place feels different – almost like a destination. And the funny part is, it took me a while to realize… I don’t just visit it. I live here.

People drive here to walk the same paths I step onto whenever I can.

We’re out year-round, usually on campus with the dogs. It’s safe, well-lit, and even in the winter, the paths are clear. And when the weather turns, everything opens up – the trees, the light, the quiet.

There’s something about watching people pack up to leave – strollers, water bottles, car doors closing – while I just take a few more steps and I’m home.

That part never gets old.

And then there’s the trail itself. If you’ve ever walked somewhere like that, you know the feeling. People nod. They say hello. There’s an unspoken understanding – you’re all there for the same reason. Moving, breathing, taking it in.

It’s a small thing, but it leaves you better than it found you.

One of my favorite parts of living here is that I can step out the door and fall right into my favorite route – a five-mile loop that never gets old. It follows the canal along the towpath, opens into a larger park, circles a beautiful lake, and winds through the woods before bringing me back home. It’s just long enough to get a great walk in while also clearing my head and shifting my mood. I’d love for you to come walk it with me sometime – to see it for yourselves, and to share it together.

When we moved here, I didn’t realize how much peace I’d find. But I did. And I’m grateful for it.

I hope you boys feel that, too – now or someday.

So here’s my request:

Get outside and walk when you can. It’s simple, but it does more for you than you’ll realize – physically, mentally, and in ways you can’t quite explain. Put in your headphones if you want – listen to music, a podcast, or a book. It all counts.

And even when you don’t have time for a full walk, pause anyway. On your way to class, walking to your car, running errands – look up at the sky. Notice the clouds, the light, the trees around you. Take a second to take it in.

I didn’t do that enough at your age.

You don’t have to miss it the way I did.

– Mom