Just a thought… Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself. [Marcus Aurelius]

Hello from a relieved Vancouver Island! Apart from a few disgruntled campers and cranky brides, I’m pretty sure nearly everyone is thrilled that the atmospheric river has brought us all back from a fiery brink. It’s a true gift at this time when so many provinces are either fighting fires or living in fear of flames, smoke and the destruction that comes with them. So let’s hear it for the rain!

I got some good news last week and I am not going to evangelize or lecture here; I’m just going to tell you a story that has a very happy ending for me, and could for you, too.

About three years ago, when it seemed (like the rest of a post-lockdown world) nothing was in our control – as if it ever is – I decided to do something about my weight. I chose a method of eating (keto) that has been controversial to some, and does not agree with everyone. Because it requires higher fat consumption, it can mess with cholesterol or important organs (like kidneys).

I keep a close eye on those levels, both HDL (the “happy” cholesterol, thus the H) and LDL (the “lousy” one). After my bloodwork was done recently, I sweated for a few days over the red flags that the website showed on my cholesterol levels.

Last time I had my blood checked – about two years ago – my lousy levels were at 3.5. Yikes.

This time, though, was a different story. And I can tell you with 100% certainty that the only change I’ve made from the 3.5 to my current reading of 3.13 is this: walking. Turns out those red flags were because my happy (HDL) levels were up and, coupled with the LDL changes, it was all good news according to my doctor.

Back on New Year’s 2025, yes the same time I said I was going to be a little easier on myself (bahahaha), I decided I was going to follow the stoics like Aurelius, quoted above, and move my butt more.

I track my steps daily, striving for 6000, walking with my AirPods in and a good podcast playing. Getting up and pacing the condo when I’m on a long phone call. Taking the long way, parking far from store entrances. Getting in the last 200 steps of the day while my electric toothbrush does its thing (definitely my strangest trait). Walking around the kitchen island while the coffee maker chugs out its blessed brew. Those little things. (Note: I am fully mindful that not everyone has mobility, agility or the ability to walk much at all. To you I apologize if this comes off as ableist. That is not my intention.)

Those daily steps for the first eight months of this year have made all the difference. Of course, we hear that exercise, even something as gentle as walking, can lower your cholesterol. But I’m here to tell you that it is absolutely true!

That news made my week, and has quite literally put a spring in my step. Hearing that the “10,000 steps” target was one arbitrarily chosen by fitness folks, as they figured people couldn’t remember something like six or seven thousand, further steeled my resolve to do my best. I set my own goal. Initially it was 7000 and some days if I didn’t make it, I beat myself up. So 6000 it is – and then I feel like Rocky at the top of the stairs when I check in on my sobriety app at night and add my steps.

I wanted to share this because I don’t think in my entire 62 years I’ve seen such black and white (or perhaps red) proof of something working. Yes, the keto helped me achieve and hold my weight goal. But if I was setting the stage for a heart attack, what good would that be? Do coffins come in long and slim?

Oh, and one other thing: when I was being tested prior to getting cataract surgery on both eyes this summer, nurse Susie told me, “You have the blood pressure of a teenager.”

I almost proposed to her on the spot.

There you go. They say a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step and I’m here as living proof to you that, yes, it makes a difference. Find a podcast you like (may I suggest gracefullyandfrankly.com) with stories that make any walk interesting. Dress for whatever weather is in the forecast that day. Make sure you have good shoes or support. Wear a tensor bandage if you have sore joints (I can suggest something for that: SierraSil, ahem) but know that walking now could add years to your life. Sure, it may not be the best part of our lives, but it can sure be better!