Tag Archives: #happyfeetwalkersclub

Namitha's Notions

Nature’s Canvas

As I walked,
The prairie path today,
Nature’s canvas,
Just blew me away.

So many colors,
So many shades,
You could guess some,
And there still will be more.

Browns and greens of the grass,
That stands proud and tall,
Yellows and pinks of flowers,
That bloom big and small.

So many shades of the sky,
In the colour blue,
Dotted with white clouds,
Someday many, someday few.

Colours and patterns bountiful,
On butterflies floating by,
Orange stripes on a black snake,
That just slithered by.

The colours of the meadow,
So serene and beautiful,
Make my mind calm
And my soul peaceful.

#happyfeetwalkersclub,
Gave me a chance,
To appreciate on every walk,
Nature’s vividly painted canvas.

Namitha's Notions

Overcast or shine… 6 mi your mine

One day as I was lacing my shoes to walk,
Doubts were running in my mind amok,
Will I be able to make the everyday walk,
Or everything I did was just talk?

As I turned on my app and stepped outside,
I was greeted by overcast and dull skies,
A step ahead and it started to rain,
“Go back inside” it seemed to claim.

I took shelter under a tree,
“Let’s walk a mile and then see”
I convinced my mind to keep going,
Though against me were elements divine.

The moment I stepped on the daily path,
Mile one came up soon and fast,
“Another mile won’t do any harm”
I was feeling uplifted and calm.

By miles two and three,
The clouds cleared and sun shone on me,
There was a coolness in the air,
And my feet walked faster there.

As I covered miles four and five,
My confidence rose and stride was back,
My phone was clicking pictures galore,
I was looking forward to the collage score.

My #happyfeetwalkersclub friends,
As I saw the familiar door,
The motivation was so sublime,
Overcast or shine.. 6 mi your mine.

Namitha's Notions

Change around the corner

My clothes fit me better,
There is a glow on my face,
My back stands a bit straighter,
There is a shine in my eyes,
More compliments flow my way,
The hubby smiles at me more,
Friends look super amused,
‘What next is in store?’
There is a restlessness in me,
To walk more miles everyday,
I want to break my own records,
Walk 10k steps all the way,
Girls, you have spoilt me,
#happyfeetwalkersclub, hooray!!!

Namitha's Notions

A walk with my daughters

She skips ahead a few steps,
And then runs back to me,
Holds my hand, swings along,
She is busy like a bee.

My older one is trying to learn,
She wants to practice with me,
Shlokas of the Hanuman Chalisa,
“What’s next, mummy?”

Then they start competing,
And fight for my attention,
My one eye is on them,
And one on the road condition.

We look like a mother duck
And her ducklings in fray,
I keep pulling them on track,
And they keep going astray.

The park beckons them,
And chores beckon me,
I have to make a compromise,
And off they run with glee.

Every moment is such a delight,
A walk with my daughters be,
#happyfeetwalkersclub
All thanks to thee.

Namitha's Notions

Interview with Siddharth Raghavan

Video

Happy Feet members and their families like to share the excitement of walking. Our interview series begins with the first interview with youngest Happy Feet family member. Siddharth Raghavan is a diligent walker and motivator for his mom. He keeps a close eye on the miles walked and ensures that mom continues to walk everyday. He enjoys the challenges and wants to help his mom win it!











	


	




	
	

				

			Namitha's Notions
		

			
Have you ever…

		

			 		

	


		

		
Have you ever wondered?

What’s around that corner?

Is there a mountain, steep and high?

Is there a valley deep under?


Have you ever been at crossroads?

With two roads to make a choice,

One that has been travelled oft before,

One with new beginnings and surprise.


Have you ever walked alone?

With only your thoughts for company,

Watching the the world as you pass by,

Roads one or too many.


Have you ever walked in a group?

Sharing fun, fitness and friendship,

Inspiring one another each day,

Meeting goals to accomplish.


Have you ever thought all this?

And wondered how it could be?

Then come join #happyfeetwalkersclub

Its perfect for thee…








	

	
	




	
	

				

			Ushasri's Wit
		

			
The Lazy Monster

		

			 		

	


		

		
I am lazy! There I said it.  The Lazy Monster that lives within all of us is quite strong within me.  I used to be more active but after moving to Chicago 5 years ago and quitting my job so that I could focus on my family, I simply let the Lazy Monster grow even bigger. (He really is quite ugly if you want to know!)  When we first moved to Naperville, I joined a gym and was quite determined to be healthy, but as the days passed and that Lazy Monster started to roar, I felt like I would take a small, itsy-bitsy break.  Surely after a week of rest I would go back to the gym – right? Wrong! The Lazy Monster got even stronger and I grew lazier. I quit my gym membership, full of promises that it would be easier to squeeze in exercise at home with exercise videos and Youtube……But I never did.  The Lazy Monster had officially taken over my life.  For those of you who have never seen this fellow (I think my friend Namitha may not have:) ) let me describe him for you – he is Big, LOUD, Persuasive, and constantly fills me with Self- Doubt.


When this group started, I have to say that I initially didn’t leap into it, of course that darn lazy monster was roaring in my ear with reasons as to why I would not succeed.  But my friend Lakshmy actually took the time to call me and ask me why I still hadn’t agreed to join.  I had no good excuse.  Still I didn’t walk – I saw that the other girls were already walking so much – The Lazy Monster roared, “How will you keep up?”  Finally after a week of watching the collages pile up, and people cheering each other on, I decided I would not make time to walk, but just walk when I was waiting for my kids to finish a class.  So when my daughter had volleyball class, I took a walk with my son – only 1.5 miles.  It felt AMAZING!  AWESOME! I had given my Lazy Monster a swift kick in the butt.


The Happy Feet encouragement I got from my first walk was enough to keep me going.  I walked again the next time I was sitting around waiting for my kids to finish a class.  I went farther than before.  Then  I walked again the next day.  I was kicking and punching my Lazy monster in the face and it felt GREAT! The next day I got out my beloved bike and went biking for a few miles – something I had not really done all summer.  From that I time I have been walking or biking at least 4 to 5 times a week. Sometimes more but definitely not less.


My lazy monster has not left of course, but he is smaller, grumpier, and green with jealousy over all I have done.  Most days I can’t hear him as I put on my walking shoes or pull out my bike because the voices of my fellow Happy Feet Ladies are so loud and strong.


If anyone else has let The Lazy Monster take over their life – join us and together we can help give it a swift punch in the gut and help you on the path to a happier, healthier YOU!