No Time To Go On Walks, a reflection by Sophi Reynolds, 12

No Time To Go On Walks

Sophi Reynolds, 12

There was no possibility of taking a walk that day. With everything going on, I had not one moment to spare. If I did, it would have been used to do something other than taking a walk to clear my mind.

I always had something to do. Cheer practice, voice lessons, dentist appointment, homework, tumble class, my brother's practices, musical rehearsal, and so much more. It seemed I would never have a free moment, because every second of my time was always filled.

That day I had school, a voice lesson, musical rehearsal, and then cheer practice. I didn’t even know if I would have time for dinner until after 9 o'clock! I barely got to see my family that day, or the next day. Or the next. I was so tired, tired of doing homework in the car, eating more meals in my car than at the table, and tired because of lack of sleep.

It seemed I would never again get to go on a peaceful walk in the park with my family, until the Coronavirus struck. At first, I was sad to leave school and all the activities that went with it behind. But soon I realized that this break was just what I needed. Once again, I was eating dinner with my family at the table and going on peaceful walks with my dogs.

I realize more than ever, now that school and activities are starting up again, that I need to make more time for dinner at the table with my family, time to relax and read a book, time to hang out with my friends, and I need to make more time for going on walks.