I’m Glad I Can’t Jog Anymore

I’m writing this from The Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast, about a three-hour drive from San Francisco. We came here on Thursday and left on Sunday. We have been coming here again and again for many years because every visit leaves us with unforgettable memories.

There are miles and miles of trails along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You can also walk down to the sandy beaches below, where the waves seem to wash away every worry.

Early this morning, Max and I were walking one of our favorite trails. Several men and women jogged past us. They were sweating, breathing hard, and focused on the path ahead. I thought to myself that jogging is certainly excellent exercise, especially in the fresh ocean air.

But then I realized something: I’m actually glad that I can’t jog anymore, because problems with my knees.

When I walk, I notice everything around me. I see the endless ocean stretching to the horizon. I admire the twisted cypress trees shaped by the coastal winds. I watch rabbits dart through the grass and deer quietly grazing nearby. I breathe in the fragrance of the sea mixed with wild grasses, and with every step I feel my spirit lifted.

Years ago, when I used to jog, the most enjoyable part was often the hot shower after I got home.

Today, Max and I walked for an hour. He happily ran along the beach while I slowly explored the beauty around me. When we returned to our rental home, I still enjoyed that refreshing shower—but the walk itself had become the greatest reward.

One of my favorite sayings is: “To serve — run. To live — walk slowly.”

As we advance in life, I believe we are meant to become wiser, not simply faster. Aging gives us the opportunity to exchange speed for awareness, rushing for gratitude, and movement for presence.

That is one of the 42 realizations I share in my new book, Aging Well Isn’t an Accident: 42 Realizations I Discovered Along the Way, which will soon be available on Amazon.

If this message resonates with you, you may also enjoy my companion book, 42 Petals of Wisdom, where my flower photographs are paired with reflections and observations gathered throughout my life. This book is now available on Amazon.

Three of the images above, along with the short reel available for download by clicking this link, were captured during the walk.

Have a wonderful life.

Walk slowly.

Notice the beauty around you.