“Hey, Em, I need you to walk down to the fruit stand and get me a couple tomatoes.”
“Erg! Gag! Arrghg! MOOMM!! NOOO!!! It’s. So. Hot!”
End scene.
That, my friends, was a typical interaction with my mom during my pre-adolescence/teenage years. I’m sure you all are shocked I ever behaved like that. Here’s the thing, that job I abhorred 20 years ago, is my dream come true now. I mean, to live 1/8 of a mile from a zero waste produce stand!? Being home in Jensen for a few weeks has reminded me what you can find in a mile radius from your home. The collection of pictures you’re looking at are all within a mile of my mom’s house. Not fair, right? I hear you but I think that if you give a good look at a mile around your home, you might be surprised what is within a 30 minute walk from your doorstep.
For some, this might mean taking a family walk on the weekend to get shaved ice or an ice cream cone and enjoying it at a park. For others, it might mean strolling to a coffee shop and getting to read that book that’s been sitting on your bedside table, untouched. Or it might mean taking a once a week schlep to the butcher and dropping off a package at the post office on your way. Does it also mean adding an hour to your outing? Why yes, it does. But let me tell you that it is not a bad thing for us to slow down and appreciate where we live.

Here’s my challenge to you, do a quick google map scan of what places are within a mile of your home and try walking somewhere you thought was “a little too far” previously. Feel good about not turning on your car and enjoy slowing down for a moment.

P.S. That coffee shop, Bunkhouse, has absolutely inspired me to open a coffee shop in Saint Louis. It is my new dream. For those of you living in the area, please do yourself a favor and step foot into that place. You will never regret it.