A walk in the ‘hood….

7 AM. Dragging myself out for an early morning walk to avoid the heat and humidity, already 99%. This may be a lost cause despite my healthy intentions. Wait, I’ll just do 15 minutes, as I argue with myself about actually continuing. My knee hurts and isn’t that a twinge of sciatica? (My inner hypochondriac has a strong work ethic, putting in considerable overtime.) As I continue to bicker with myself, I’m interrupted (thank heavens) by the appearance of another walker.

This walker is being hauled along by two leashed schnauzers, one of whom has already identified me as public enemy #1. Frenzied barking ensues and frantic pulling of the leash held by the owner. The walker leans down, clearly trying to have a conversation with the pup who is distraught by my very presence. (Ouch, I love dogs!) I notice that the owner also looks distressed, shaking her head from side to side.

Ah, the “intervention” lightbulb goes on. A humor opportunity! I stick both my arms high above my head (as in the old TV westerns) and say “I give up,” smiling while doing so. This disarmed (pun intended) an uncomfortable situation. The walker smiled at me and for whatever reason, the barking dog decided I was chopped liver and began to sniff the grass growing at the curb. We, four, parted happy campers.

About 5 minutes have passed on my walking timer. Still have a twinge of sciatica, but yay, I’ve yet to melt in the heat and humidity. It’s amazing how the word melt transports me back to the image of the cackling Wicked Witch of the West in “Over the Rainbow,” “I’m melting, I’m melting!!” There’s something about this image that always brings out the joyful child in me. (Dorothy’s winning!)

Soon, I hear a rhythmic pounding on the pavement behind me and turn around to look. It’s my neighbor Steve and his chocolate lab. I have no idea why, but Steve has a balloon in one hand (red) and a leash in the other. Whooshing by me, he raises his leash hand to give a wave and and a slightly out-of-breath, “Howdy.” For those of you who remember your Winnie the Pooh, “Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon” springs to mind and I find my lips gently curling into smile. Nice, very nice.

Beginning to really feel as if I’m wilting in the humidity. Whew! The cars of several other neighbors pass by, inclusive of energetic waves and smiles. I feel perked up by their waves, almost as if I’m standing straighter and breathing more deeply. OMG, my house is in sight! Yes! Made it! Checked my walking timer only to discover that I’d been walking for almost 30 minutes, not 15. No sciatic twinges and my knee feels fine. (Ms. Hypochondriac, are you paying attention?)

Composing this paean to walking in the ‘hood, I find myself returning to a frequent theme in my writing - cheap therapy. It doesn’t take a world-changing event to lift me emotionally. Not-at-all. In most cases, ordinary everyday events, swathed in a bit of kindness, acknowledgment, or gentle humor, are a tonic for me (and my inner hypochondriac.) With cheap therapy, we can all give as good as we get!

❤️Enjoy reading “This Being Human Thing?” Please consider sharing with others. Who couldn’t use more heart and humor?