Himani’s World!

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Personal Story

Thanks To My Walking Habit

by | Oct 4, 2024 | Blog, Stories With Himani

Think back to your childhood — what’s one simple habit or lesson that has stayed with you through the years? It could be something very small, maybe any family ritual, any favorite activity with siblings, or any routine that you took from your parents. These small, everyday moments generally leave the biggest impact, quietly shaping who we become as adults.

Welcome to Live Best Skilled, where we explore stories that inspire a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled life. I’m Himani, and today, I want to talk about how the habits we form as kids, especially the ones our parents unknowingly pass down, stay with us for life.

I want to share a deeply personal story about how fitness became a foundation in my life. This story is not just about me; it’s about the influence of the people around us, the habits we cultivate, and how they shape who we become.

I want to start by thanking my dad, who laid the foundation for fitness in my life. When I was younger, he used to take me and my siblings for morning walks regularly. And in the evenings, almost every day after school, he’d play all kinds of sports with us — whether it was football, badminton, or volleyball. We weren’t exactly professional players, but those moments made us physically and mentally stronger.

For his own reasons, he never forced us to pursue sports seriously, but he always encouraged us to stay fit. As time passed, higher studies took over, and those fun evening sports sessions became less frequent. After marriage, I moved to Shimla. I wanted to continue my morning walks, but due to various reasons, I couldn’t.

Then, something changed. A simple conversation with someone who casually mentioned that he walks around 5 kilometers daily in the town, shifted my mindset. It was such a small comment, but it clicked. I stopped stressing about not being able to do a proper morning walk and started finding opportunities to walk throughout the day, whether going to the market or just heading somewhere nearby. That change in perspective made all the difference. I began to really enjoy it, and as I continued, it boosted my stamina and overall well-being.

This habit became a part of me, and it played a crucial role when I was pregnant with triplet babies. Despite the challenges, I had no major health issues — my BP and weight remained very normal. In fact, even on the day of my delivery, my BP was 80/120!

Post-delivery, staying active was essential, as you can imagine with three little girls running around. Once they started walking, I took them along with me for long walks. This routine kept me fit and made raising my daughters more joyful and manageable. This habit not only helped me but also made them stronger.

Then, in January 2016, Mark Zuckerberg’s One mile challenge caught my attention. His New Year’s resolution to run 365 miles in a year i.e. one mile a day inspired me. I wasn’t overly serious about it, but it lingered in my mind. I started walking 2–3 kilometers daily, usually after dropping my kids off at school, and that became my routine.

I could walk, clear my mind, and then start my day with energy. It made me feel balanced, energized, and ready to take on the day as a freelance Web Designer and a mathematics coach. This walking routine for me was like buying a health insurance plan with a daily installment of walking.

In 2018, I was 37 that time, something unexpected happened. I was at a sports complex, dropping my kids off for their activities, when I came across an advertisement for a marathon. Very hesitantly I took the form pretending as if I was filling it for someone else who is younger to me. It was Saturday, and the race was on Sunday, the very next day.

I hadn’t run in years, but something inside me wanted to test my stamina. I didn’t know what to expect, but I challenged myself. To my surprise, I finished first in the age group of 25–40 years. ! That win wasn’t just a trophy; it was a reminder of how these small habits like walking, staying honest with ourselves, and working hard — can prepare us for life’s unexpected opportunities. It made me realize the power of small, consistent efforts. Up until that point, I had only been walking, but this event pushed me to start running, even if only a little.

The joy I felt was immense. Participating in more mini-marathons gave me a renewed sense of energy and youthfulness. Now, I know this may not seem like a huge achievement to some, but for me — a very common person, a mediocre runner — it meant everything.

Now, I’m not sharing this story to boast but to encourage anyone listening who might be going through physical or mental stress, and I want to say — this one habit, walking, has been a game-changer for me. It has saved me from so many problems. Whether it’s managing my physical and mental health, boosting my self-love, confidence or simply handling life’s ups and downs, walking has been my companion.

How can I forget to mention those senior citizens whom I have met and inspired by in my walks and in those marathons like Dr. Suman Trehaan who is now 82 years old and still running in marathons. Their glowing smiling faces are really inspiring to live life to the fullest.

Fitness, for me, is not about winning races. It’s about being strong enough to handle whatever life throws at you. So here comes the importance of the role of a parent in making the base of such habits.

And that brings me to the most important part of today’s episode: the habits we pass on to our children. Whether it’s fitness, honesty, or the value of hard work, the small habits we instill in them now will stay with them throughout their lives. We may not realize it, but those evening games, the casual walks, the small lessons on being truthful and diligent — those are the things that will help them deal with life’s tantrums later on.

So, be mindful of the habits you’re passing down as they will be their companions through every challenge, every opportunity, and every stage of life.

Thank you for joining us on this journey today. I hope this reminds you of your own powerful habits and beliefs which have helped you in life. Please do share your micro habits you are proud of and the habits you want to cultivate in you or in your kids. Until next time, stay skilled, stay mindful, and remember, every little step counts. Thanks again. May God Bless you. See you next time.

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