Walking

I walk over 12 miles per day. I don’t say that to boast, as it is really not my idea. I came upon this routine quite unexpectedly.

I had surgery to remove a brain tumor last March. Two weeks later I was back in the hospital with a blood clot. The clot was related to the surgery and inactivity afterwards.

It was recommended that I try some moderate exercise to limit the potential of another clot. Since I had been in the hospital for many days, getting outside for walks seemed like a good idea. At the time I walked a short distance several times a day.

As the weeks and months passed, the distances got longer and I barely noticed. I did notice, however, that I was feeling better and was losing weight. As a side benefit, my blood sugar was declining.

So the time I spent walking and the distance I walked kept increasing to the 12 miles I mentioned earlier. My doctors and I are all happy.

This got me thinking about other areas of my life. Could I start with small improvements that could help me make big improvements in the future? So I have started to read books again, keeping my mind sharp and engaged. I’ve made adjustments in my diet, adding additional health benefits. I’ve also been prompted to think about God more during the day and give him thanks before going to bed at night. This has worked wonders for my attitude. And my wife is grateful for the few additional things I am doing around the house.

Brain surgery has inspired me to become a better man. And it all started with a few small steps, both literally and figuratively.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 ESV