Western Tribune Column March 11, 2009

Last week I was in conversation with a woman who is interested in moving from Hoover to Bessemer. One of the questions she asked was whether we walked (for exercise) and whether others in the neighborhood walked as well.

Like many people, I understand the benefits of walking for fitness, but again, like many people, I find plenty of excuses to refrain.

But with the economy in a tailspin, we all are looking for ways to save money. Walking as exercise is absolutely free.

Of course one can make it expensive buy buying fashionable attire and special shoes. Add a pedometer, a heart meter and an Ipod and you’ve used a whole paycheck.

But most people already have adequate shoes and clothes and many have an Ipod so they are ready to go.

Daylight Savings time began this week and there is daylight in the evenings; the weather is just right to enjoy a stroll.

In addition to the physical benefits of walking there are other benefits as well. Many find themselves glued to the news when they are at home, and the constant bombardment with sour news about the country’s fiscal crisis adds to the stress of daily living. Getting out of the house and walking through your neighborhood can help relieve that stress. While walking you can spend time in prayer or meditation of sorts and focus on the positive things in your life.


You can meet your neighbors and see old friends. Don’t stop to talk, though, tell them you will call them later. This will get you back in touch with your community and community involvement will result.

I hope that things come together so that my friend and her partner are able to move into our community. They are both politically minded and involved in community advocacy and Bessemer would certainly benefit from their presence.

The fact that people from outside our city are recognizing the real estate bargains that are to be found here is good. There is an overabundance of homes for sale in Bessemer, and hopefully these will be purchased by buyers who want to move into the community, like my friends, rather than those who just want to be landlords.

As new people move in let’s make sure they feel welcome. Invite them for a walk. And enjoy the extra hour of daylight.