How interesting! I try to walk every day but Wednesday and Sunday. I should try this! It’s been so rainy lately and I’ve been dog sitting, so I noticed not having my walks really played with my mental health this week. I’ve been doing it consistently for the health benefits but it also helps me get out of my head!
Also, you mention finally believing that you finally believe TM wants to know what you need. Would you be able to share how came to that? Because I am noticing I am really having a hard time believing that I can freely share with one of my friendships even though he has been clear to say what I want. I think it’s due to people pleasing and somewhat being told what to do/believe when I grew up. I have noticed this bleeding into my friendship so much so that I tell him he can ignore my phone calls, texts, and even me. Sigh. Just curious. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, that’s fine, too!
It's a good question, Heidi! I don't think I can answer it any other way than to say: it took time! Many years of him saying he wants me to express my needs, and fulfilling my needs/wants when he can, and communicating openly about when he can't or figuring out how we can compromise. Basically, a lot of time + open communication. Plus, trust is built when someone's actions repeatedly line up with their words. So we have to give people a chance to show up in the ways they say they will!
Whenever I go out in the car I look for Yellow cars!! Highest daily count so far is 13 - saw 2 today on my weekly shopping trip! It cheers me to see yellow and so many different hues and cars enjoying the colour. (My car is blue by the way). Speaking of rainbows- when my mum passed away at home in November 2016 it was a rainy day. After everything was sorted out at her home later in the day I got in the car to drive home and a beautiful rainbow was in the sky and David Bowie was singing Let's Dance -
Put on your Red Shoes etc on the radio. Mum always loved colourful shoes and bags - felt like she was letting me know it was all peaceful with her now. X best wishes to you Cait x
Oh that's a beautiful story about the rainbow, Angela. Thank you for sharing! And finding yellow cars seems to be a big thing with kids too, which is fun!
Yes to the rainbow walk. An anxious person taught the concept to me, and I do it all the time walking from my parking garage to the office and also walking dogs in my my neighborhood with resplendent gardens. Purple is the hardest color to find, unless it's spring. Doing this activity in spring almost feels like cheating to me because purple is so easy to find. In urban areas, I am also constantly in a debate with myself about whether traffic paint yellow is a true yellow or whether the the orangey red 'don't walk' hand is a true orange. As you can see, my only thoughts during this activity are DEEP THOUGHTS and the answer to my probing color questions matters zero.
It is not nice. And it's so confusing to navigate when it's a young kid! (And one whose parents are not very nice to him.) But also... leave me alone!? lol
What an interesting concept to go on a rainbow walk. I have acquired a dog from an irresponsible family member. If I were to be truthful, I didn’t really want another dog (my current dog is very old and sleeps a lot). Prior to her wanting to give him away, I had been watching him everyday and became attached and didn’t trust my family member to find him a good home. My plan was to find him a good home myself. However, that didn’t work out due to his behavioral issues. He is three and I am his 4 home. So, he is with me and currently in training. When we go on walks, it’s very stressful (he’s aggressive to other dogs and a strong leash puller) and I find myself pushing just to get the walk over with. After reading your post I’m encouraged to go for a walk by myself. That sounds crazy, but maybe it’s just what I need. I love the fact that tall man said: “ let’s treat ourselves and not make dinner or do dishes”. I’ve never looked at it that way as something to treat myself. I’m always trying to save money. Or better yet not spend money on myself. It’s with everything in life I’m learning how to better care for myself and not always be trying to live up to the needs and expectations of others. Thank you Cait♥️
I have never heard of a rainbow walk! it sounds like a fun idea to do on a long car ride! I am gobsmacked by the 6 year old vandal hooligan and the gold lock! The retired teacher in me thinks it is important to get to the bottom of this and there is a reason it is you Cait! Sigh. Maybe he wants a peaceful place to escape and live a happy few moments with Birdie and the hedgies?😭😭😭🥹🥹🥹
That's a kind thought, Michelle. I can't be sure of what he's wanting, but it's obvious how he's treated at home... the vibe of our little street has definitely changed, since they moved in. I'm not the only neighbour he's done this to, though. I'm one of the last to get a lock. So I feel for him... and, I can't take on the responsibility of it.
How interesting! I try to walk every day but Wednesday and Sunday. I should try this! It’s been so rainy lately and I’ve been dog sitting, so I noticed not having my walks really played with my mental health this week. I’ve been doing it consistently for the health benefits but it also helps me get out of my head!
Also, you mention finally believing that you finally believe TM wants to know what you need. Would you be able to share how came to that? Because I am noticing I am really having a hard time believing that I can freely share with one of my friendships even though he has been clear to say what I want. I think it’s due to people pleasing and somewhat being told what to do/believe when I grew up. I have noticed this bleeding into my friendship so much so that I tell him he can ignore my phone calls, texts, and even me. Sigh. Just curious. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, that’s fine, too!
It's a good question, Heidi! I don't think I can answer it any other way than to say: it took time! Many years of him saying he wants me to express my needs, and fulfilling my needs/wants when he can, and communicating openly about when he can't or figuring out how we can compromise. Basically, a lot of time + open communication. Plus, trust is built when someone's actions repeatedly line up with their words. So we have to give people a chance to show up in the ways they say they will!
Whenever I go out in the car I look for Yellow cars!! Highest daily count so far is 13 - saw 2 today on my weekly shopping trip! It cheers me to see yellow and so many different hues and cars enjoying the colour. (My car is blue by the way). Speaking of rainbows- when my mum passed away at home in November 2016 it was a rainy day. After everything was sorted out at her home later in the day I got in the car to drive home and a beautiful rainbow was in the sky and David Bowie was singing Let's Dance -
Put on your Red Shoes etc on the radio. Mum always loved colourful shoes and bags - felt like she was letting me know it was all peaceful with her now. X best wishes to you Cait x
Oh that's a beautiful story about the rainbow, Angela. Thank you for sharing! And finding yellow cars seems to be a big thing with kids too, which is fun!
Yes to the rainbow walk. An anxious person taught the concept to me, and I do it all the time walking from my parking garage to the office and also walking dogs in my my neighborhood with resplendent gardens. Purple is the hardest color to find, unless it's spring. Doing this activity in spring almost feels like cheating to me because purple is so easy to find. In urban areas, I am also constantly in a debate with myself about whether traffic paint yellow is a true yellow or whether the the orangey red 'don't walk' hand is a true orange. As you can see, my only thoughts during this activity are DEEP THOUGHTS and the answer to my probing color questions matters zero.
Haha, but you're challenging yourself to look for new things... the less obvious things... and I think that's a great exercise!
I absolutely love this! I can’t wait to do a rainbow walk with kids in my life this summer 💖
Oh yay! I hope they have fun with it! (At the very least, it'll keep them engaged for a little bit, and everyone gets some fresh air and movement!)
What a lovely idea! Thank you for sharing.
🌈 this felt like such a sensor treat. Sorry about the vandalism and intrusion. That’s not nice. 💖
It is not nice. And it's so confusing to navigate when it's a young kid! (And one whose parents are not very nice to him.) But also... leave me alone!? lol
I have not gone on a rainbow walk but feel inspired too!
What an interesting concept to go on a rainbow walk. I have acquired a dog from an irresponsible family member. If I were to be truthful, I didn’t really want another dog (my current dog is very old and sleeps a lot). Prior to her wanting to give him away, I had been watching him everyday and became attached and didn’t trust my family member to find him a good home. My plan was to find him a good home myself. However, that didn’t work out due to his behavioral issues. He is three and I am his 4 home. So, he is with me and currently in training. When we go on walks, it’s very stressful (he’s aggressive to other dogs and a strong leash puller) and I find myself pushing just to get the walk over with. After reading your post I’m encouraged to go for a walk by myself. That sounds crazy, but maybe it’s just what I need. I love the fact that tall man said: “ let’s treat ourselves and not make dinner or do dishes”. I’ve never looked at it that way as something to treat myself. I’m always trying to save money. Or better yet not spend money on myself. It’s with everything in life I’m learning how to better care for myself and not always be trying to live up to the needs and expectations of others. Thank you Cait♥️
Going for some walks with the dog and some walks solo sounds like really good self-care, Maureen!
Ohhh how I adore your writing 😍 all the little details that draw the reader’s eye and heart.
You are too sweet, friend. Thank you! ❤️
I did the rainbow walk this morning after reading your post, and yellow was my colour. Spotting a yellow car made my day! thanks for sharing, Cait.
Ahhh I love this, Hafsa! ☀️
I have never heard of a rainbow walk! it sounds like a fun idea to do on a long car ride! I am gobsmacked by the 6 year old vandal hooligan and the gold lock! The retired teacher in me thinks it is important to get to the bottom of this and there is a reason it is you Cait! Sigh. Maybe he wants a peaceful place to escape and live a happy few moments with Birdie and the hedgies?😭😭😭🥹🥹🥹
That's a kind thought, Michelle. I can't be sure of what he's wanting, but it's obvious how he's treated at home... the vibe of our little street has definitely changed, since they moved in. I'm not the only neighbour he's done this to, though. I'm one of the last to get a lock. So I feel for him... and, I can't take on the responsibility of it.
This is my first time hearing about Rainbow Walks. I did try it today. Spotting all the green things I could. Cool way to add delight to my day!
Aww yay! And HI FRIEND!