Good morning and Happy Halloween!

How are you doing this morning? Today is looking to be a gorgeous Friday.

I’ve been thinking about something a little weird.

When I go for a walk, I sometimes think about catching butterflies.

Not the actual butterflies, although those are pretty great, too. I mean ideas.

You’re walking along at a moderate or brisk pace, listening to the birds, letting your mind wander. And then, AHHHH! Something beautiful arrives to brighten your day.

A new idea. A solution to a problem. Someone you suddenly realize you should call. A fun thing to try with your family. A possibility you hadn’t considered before.

To me, it feels a little like catching a butterfly.

The trick is to pull out your net and catch it before it flies away. In other words, write it down! Because that brilliant idea you had at 8:17 a.m. may be nowhere to be found by 8:23.

But catching the butterfly is only half the fun.

We also have to release it so others can enjoy it, too.

How? We act on our ideas. We follow through when we get home. Maybe it’s, “Huh, what if we tried this at the office?” Or, “You know who I should text? Craig. It’s been forever.” Or, “This would be so fun to make for dinner. I totally forgot about that!”

Sometimes, sharing an idea with someone else gives it wings.

I suspect many of us have way more ideas than we give ourselves credit for. We just need a little space, a little movement, and a little time away from the usual noise to notice them.

That’s one of the things I love about walking. It isn’t just good for our hearts and bodies. It can open up space for creativity as well.

So here’s my challenge for you this week:

Go for a walk. Catch a butterfly. Write it down. Then do something with it.

And if you’re willing, share your butterfly with us! We’d love to hear what comes to you while you’re out walking.

A big thank you to our team (Rachael, Bryan, Dr. Mona Dave, and Sophia) for reminding us that creativity can show up in unexpected places.

And, of course, this is exactly why we love Walk with a Doc. Every walk is an opportunity to move a little, connect with others, and enjoy the world around us.

Keep catching butterflies; we’re pulling for you.

david