A HIKE TO REMEMBER FOR 🥾🚶‍♀️🚶🚶‍♂️

Walking is a part of our regular routine. It is not only a good form of exercise, but at times it gently breaks the cold barriers, bringing the family together—step by step.”

Greetings everyone

We are all aware how important walking is in our daily routine to maintain a good health. Isn’t it?.

In this blog I want to highlight that walking not only helps in maintaining fitness but also it is a kind of therapy. Walking starts for all of us as a toddler with us putting forth our first baby steps These steps slowly and steadily progress in to walking as we grow older only to become an integral part of our routine.

Of all the forms of exercises, walking is the most popular form of exercise as it can be followed by everyone.

I have woven a small story based on hiking/walking .

Rakesh woke up to a lazy morning. The thought of waking up made him irritable. It was past 10.00 am in the morning. He had to catch a flight in the afternoon to reach back home.

Rakesh had finished his undergraduate studies recently. He graduated from the Mechanical engineering department. He had secured a decent GPA too. Good enough to secure a job. But Rakesh didn’t want to sit for placements. Why? He just wanted to take a break before pursuing anything further, be it a job or higher studies.

The conversations with his parents during weekend calls around this topic had often ended in lots of discussions, arguments. Rakesh could clearly understand the anxiety of his parents which he felt was agreeable. He was clear about one thing for sure. He was not allowing anyone to advise or take decisions about his future on his behalf. His past experiences as a 12th std student had taught him to be cautious in taking important decisions regarding his studies and career. In school his favourite subjects were History, Geography and Civics, Not maths or science. But no one lent an ear to know what his aspirations were, including his parents.

It had been a whirlwind time for him since he joined coaching classes when he was in class 11. Life has been a bumpy roller coaster ride from the day one when he had joined the coaching classes till he completed his graduation to this date.

Totally chaotic!!!!!.

Very mechanical, with no clarity on what he really wanted to do in his life. The only thing he totally enjoyed during his college days were participating in the debates, elocution competitions where he felt he was himself. He kept a tab on political weather prevailing throughout the world. He had made pretty good friends in the college as he was popular as an Orator. He could visualise that was his space.

Each and every child has a hidden talent in him/ her. The normal stigma prevailing in the society of excelling in academics doesn’t permit one to follow their passion. This is the hard lesson which Rakesh had learnt from those growing years.

With thoughts constantly buzzing in his head, he got ready to leave for the airport. The only solace he was looking forward during his stay at home was the soulful food his mom cooked. The tasty food brought a smile to his otherwise grumpy face. His mind was definitely not in engineering. With a barrage of thoughts in his mind he reached the airport.

Reached home within a few hours to be welcomed with affectionate hugs and forehead kisses by his parents. Back home his younger brother was busy playing cricket with his friends. Cricket was his passion, but will he be able to follow his passion though? Rakesh thought in his mind. Settled in the cosy and comfy home with good sleep. Proper food and with no race to run Rakesh was at peace.

But, his parents were not at peace. There is a popular saying “When the wards grow above your shoulder, parents should be careful with words, while talking or advising them”. His parents could sense that something was amiss with their son. With a deep thought in his mind Rakesh’s father went for his regular walk. Whenever he had problems, his morning walk was the tool for him to find a solution.

Days passed by, and Rakesh was just idling in the house in his own routine of reading, browsing, and playing games with his younger brother. In spite of coaxing Rakesh was not in a mood to open up about his further plans to his parents.

There was a definite coldness between them. How to thaw it and bring back warmth was the question that weighed heavily on his parents’ minds.

One fine morning, Rakesh woke up soon to see his father leaving for his regular walk. His father requested him to join for the walk along with him. But, Rakesh was not interested in accompanying him for a walk. He told he liked to go for hikes, not for walks. Unable to convince Rakesh, his dad left for his morning walk alone.

A month passed by. Rakesh started cycling in the mornings. He also found a place for hiking near to his house. He decided to go for a hike that weekend. He told the same to his parents. His parents were happy to know his interest in hiking. His father suggested that it would be a nice change if all of them as a family would go for a hike. “Let’s make it a family hike”, his father told. Initially Rakesh was reluctant, but could not disagree with his father. Finally it was decided that Saturday it’s going to be a family hike day.

Saturday was a very special for Rakesh’s dad. He wanted to take the opportunity to spend quality time with his Son. With hiking shoes to wear, lots of water, juices, cookies, and snacks the whole family was all set for the hike. The hiking area was near their house. The weather also was very pleasant making it favourable to hike, walk, run.

The whole family started with both hiking and in between walking. Rohit and Rakesh were fast and going ahead of their mom and dad. Both the brothers were having fun laughing , running and talking and hiking in between. They waited for their parents to reach the same level where they had reached. After that Rakesh and his dad both of them started walking together. They had conversations about weather, politics, Job vacancies etc etc. During the conversations Rakesh’s dad could see that Rakesh was well informed about the foreign affairs, politics and all the latest going on all over the world. He showed keen interest to discuss about the same.

Busy deep in their conversation they realised there was a pond on the way and a small waterfall above. The family decided to relax there for sometime before going ahead. With juice,snacks and cookies as refreshments they all sat facing the pond. With a cool air breeze on his face Rakesh was feeling kinda relaxed. The soothing breeze lightened the mood. Also he felt like a kid while playing with his younger brother.

His mom and brother wanted to play in the pond water. Rakesh and his dad decided to have a slow walk around the pond. Rakesh’s father could feel his son at ease. He began the conversation asking about his friends in college and what they were planning to do further. Rakesh replied promptly to his father’s questions. Sensing Rakesh’s relaxed mood his father politely asked the reason for him not sitting for any of the company placements to secure a job. If job was not his option, then what did he intend to do further?. Higher studies???

Rakesh was initially hesitant to open up. He told that if he told his future plans, both, he and mom may not agree with the same. This may force him to follow their advice. This is what happened to him when he was a school kid and he didn’t want the same to repeat again at this turning point of his life.

His dad replied to him saying, when he was a 11th class student, things were different as their priority was to secure admission for him in one of the good Universities as it would pave a smooth way for career ahead in future. It never struck them to ask about his interests then. But now they can understand that things have completely changed. They would love to support him in his future plans.

Rakesh in a thoughtful tone replied that he became an engineer out of compulsion which was really not his liking. His real interest was to prepare for Civil Services Exams. With a sense of assurance in his eyes, Rakesh said that he wants to pursue further studies and become an IFS( Indian Foreign Service)Officer. Delighted to hear his desire, his father said that he and his mom will render complete support for him to achieve his set goal.

With the tension melting like an ice cube in a warm water, Rakesh hugged his dad to say a thank you. Both his mother and brother were happy to see a smile on their faces. His mom could sense a sigh of relief to pave way for a friendly bonding between them. With a great relief, she hugged her son with lots of warmth and affection.

With a goal set to achieve, Rakesh started walking happily with his family to finish the remaining hike. Looking forward to more discussions regarding his interests, the family started walking together briskly to reach the summit with a feeling of content and peace in their hearts.

“A small walk or a hike feels like therapy. A simple talk along the way often untangles even the toughest situations—smoothly and silently”.

Likes, Comments and Subscribe is always welcome 🤗