SOLSC '26 Day One: Habit stacking

 

Here we go again!

Year fourteen of the Slice of Life Story Challenge for me, and I wasn't sure if I could take it on.  This March holds a full docket of events and tasks--

turning sixty (!), 

major surgery, 

ticking off the required boxes to retire,

and looking for my next job.

My current mental load feels like an overfilled mine cart about to spill over and slide back down the tracks.  So how do I jump back into a writing habit that I've ignored for the better part of a year, when I can barely keep up with what needs to be done?

Habit stacking.

My doctor and I agree that I need to get more exercise.  I am now entering the official "use it or lose it" stage of life, and I don't want to be on the losing end of my health.  So I've decided on my theme for this year's SOLSC:

Thirty-one walks, thirty-one posts.

My plan is to go for a walk each day, then write about it.  This may work out great, or it may be the most boring SOLSC theme yet.

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It's day one, and I was in pajamas until seven p.m. (not unusual for a Sunday).  My husband has been taking after-dinner walks, so I offered to join him, forcing myself to put on joggers and a t-shirt.  I was thankful it was dark and the street was empty.  We talked about the coyotes and foxes that sometimes roam the neighborhood at night.  I mentioned that ringtails had been spotted nearby; I would love to see one of those!  Crossing the street put the waxing moon in full view, the glow competing with the streetlights.

The night was clear, with a breeze that was just slightly on the chilly side.  I smiled at the Christmas lights blinking on a couple of houses; it made me feel a little better about the holiday tablecloth still gracing my dining room.

The front of my hips started complaining, so we crossed back over and headed home.  One walk, one post.