Exploring the GRACE Trail
Yesterday morning I had a long break between clients and thought what a great opportunity to go for a walk before today’s snow storm arrives. The sun was shining brightly, the air was brisk and it felt so invigorating to be outside for 90 minutes. I set out on one of my routes that takes me from my home to the Boston Harborwalk that sits between the water and UMASS Boston. This portion of the path is a small section of a 43 mile linear park along the shoreline, connecting many Boston area neighborhoods.
I have explored parts of this walk over the last several years, but more so throughout 2020 as it became part of my regular exercise routine during the pandemic. But something was different yesterday. While passing a light post, I noticed a blue sign with the phrase “EMBRACE: What can I Embrace as Possible?” Upon further reading, I learned that a one mile section of the path that runs along the campus is called the GRACE Trail. Throughout the one mile trail, there are signs posted inviting questions for one to think and reflect on, using the acronym GRACE.
GRATITUDE: What am I Grateful for?
RELEASE: What can I Release to move on?
ACCEPTANCE: What do I need to Accept right now?
CHALLENGE: How can I bring courage to my next Challenge?
EMBRACE: What can I Embrace as possible?
I love how this grabbed my attention because it is easy to get caught in the motions of a routine walk. I typically bundle up (now that weather has turned cold), put on my mask, plug in my headphones and set out of foot. With this sign catching my attention, I will now bring more purpose to the walk. I can stop at each sign and stop, ask, listen (to the QR code) and reflect.
The year 2020 has been a struggle for all of us. Some have experienced more loss than others. And that loss could be loved ones, employment, monetary resources, self-confidence, sobriety and more. As we near the closing of a challenging year, please remember to practice kindness and compassion to yourself. One way I can do that for me is when I take my walks along the GRACE Trail, I will take a few moments to reflect on each of the signs as a way to bring purpose to a regular walk routine.
One thing, be aware of coyotes….
be well-
