11/21/2022
Movement has always been a part of my life, and I would scale walls and swing from monkey bars. I would play tag with my brother and sister.
Movement was carefree and joyful. But, over the years, movement has taken on different meanings. It’s become a way to manage my mental health rather than just a way to have fun. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anxiety, I began to see the importance of movement in my life. It wasn’t just something I did for fun, it was something that helped to keep me stable.
Now, as an adult, I still find joy in movement, but it also serves as a tool to help me manage my mental illness. Whether I’m going for a run, taking a dance class, or even just going for a walk around the block, movement helps me to feel grounded and present. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, urban hiking provides me with a sense of adventure and a chance to explore my surroundings in a new way.
It’s a way to connect with the world while caring for myself.