Summertime Strolls: The Perks and Pleasures of Walking During the Sunny Months

I live in Ohio, where the weather forecast can call for rain one day, snow the next, complete with a beautiful 70 degree day chasing the snow. We simply never know what to expect.

When the summer months permit it, I love to walk. I live in a middle-class neighborhood with friendly neighbors, pretty lawns and lovely wildlife. It's peaceful here, and taking strolls during the warmer months is a wonderful stress reliever, and my favorite way to unwind.

Not too far away is a luxurious neighborhood. The homes are big enough to house 3-4 families, the landscaping is immaculate and the awe-inspiring lifestyle is what pipe dreams are made of. I love to walk there. I love to hope and wish, dream and create goals. While I don't necessarily dream of living the lush lawn life, I do dream of my house being paid off, and having enough money to travel to even more blossoming places.

I didn't enjoy my summertime walks until 2001. I was on a weight loss mission at the time, and had lost a lot of weight before my triumphs came to a screeching halt. I needed to start moving!. That's when I began walking. I realized then that walking was a lot more than just exercise. The stress relief alone was amazing. If I was upset, angry, mad or just overwhelmed, I'd walk. It always made me feel more chipper, and I began losing weight again.

My dog enjoyed the special treatment, too. I don't think he realized he was getting a good dose of doggy exercise in. He just enjoyed being out, his puffy ears whipping in the wind, tongue wagging. Teddy was my walking partner. I talked to him, stopping every now and again to pet him and thank him for his company.

Teddy is gone now, and life is much more hectic than it was then. I have three young children, a busy job and have met the love of my life. Thankfully he likes to walk, too.

Walking is definitely my favorite summertime pastime. It's a wonderful way to keep fit, improve my mood, familiarize myself with our neighborhood and gives me plenty of time to calm down from the irritations of every day life.

It's a free hobby, which could lead to innovative thoughts, inspiring ambitions and great landscaping ideas. I don't see the downside here...