When I Walk, It’s for Necessity—And for the Soul

How often do you walk or run?

When it comes to walking or running, I have a simple answer: I don’t run unless I have to. It’s just not something I naturally gravitate towards. Walking, however, finds its place in my day through necessity—whether it’s for errands, shopping, or simply moving about at home. But lately, I’ve been trying to push myself to get out more. Not just for the practical side of things, but to nurture a passion that’s been growing steadily: photography. There’s something about being outdoors with a camera that allows me to see the world differently, offering a moment of pause and reflection that I find both calming and fulfilling.

But the truth is, life has its way of making that effort a challenge. Between work and the ongoing struggles with hypothyroidism, some days are harder than others. This condition, as many of you may know, messes with energy levels and motivation, making even the simplest activities feel daunting. Combine that with the dual weight of depression and medication, and you can understand why getting out of the house doesn’t always happen as often as I’d like.

Yet through it all, I feel an immense sense of peace. Why? Because I believe in Allah’s will. Even on days when things seem heavy, I remind myself that not even a thorn pricks us without the removal of some sins. It’s this kind of faith that anchors me, reminding me that all struggles, big or small, carry meaning beyond what we can immediately see.

That doesn’t mean I don’t want to improve—I do. I want to get out there more, both for my photography and just to move, to feel the fresh air on my face, to see the world beyond the confines of my daily responsibilities. But I also accept that life ebbs and flows. Some days will be more active than others, and that’s okay.

Ultimately, it’s about balance—between taking care of the body and nurturing the mind, and accepting that while we plan, Allah truly is the best of planners.

Leave a comment