I was invited to a walking challenge by a colleague at Trondheim International School in April 2020, during our first lockdown. Since then, I’ve managed to maintain some of my sanity and strength by walking an average of 7.5km/day (10,000 steps).

While I still walk 7-8km daily now, I occasionally hear an inner voice calling me to walk a longer distance. I find peace and a sense of belonging and connection while walking.

2022: I’m on a trail to recovery…recovery from working in schools. I am feeling a little lost, to be honest, like I can’t last any longer in my current role as a Teacher. That’s a scary feeling at 49. I have been teaching K-12 in the classroom since 2006 (two of those years were at sea and involved 24/7 for the school year – see kimafloat.wordpress.com for some of the stories – now private, but maybe keep your eye open for a book). I think I was burnt-out prior to the arrival of our new global community member, SARS-CoV-2. Now, I am burnt-out with a cherry on top. My nervous system is a wreck. (Later note: the walk helped. Walking often helps).

2024: I’ve resigned my teaching position. I had a beautiful send off yesterday from students, parents and colleagues. I have no plans to return to teaching, but I’m not saying never. First, I’ll walk.

2026: In 2025, I completed a Certificate programme in Horticulture at the Pacific Horticulture College in Victoria, B.C. and started a small business with an aim to connect people with their soil communities & plants (serve the microbes and they will do what they’ve evolved to do…work in partnership with the plants to create strong, resilient growth). My nervous system is healing well, but I haven’t been walking much because I’m busy being captivated by the garden. So I’m going to get some walking in, and see plants and gardens along the way.