Serene Soulful Living

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of the 9–5 corporate world. And to be completely honest, my own corporate life isn’t looking so cheeky right now. I know I need to shut the laptop at five, take a breath, and return to myself. Me, myself, and I.

One of my favorite things about “me” is the relationship I have with my dog. Yes, I’m one of those dog-obsessed moms who speaks about her pup as if I lit-chra-ly gave birth to him. But I owe it to Toby for keeping me soft, grounded, and sane.

Our daily walks have become a kind of ritual—a rhythm that invites me outside, away from the glowing screens, and into the sunlight. It’s not just that Toby gets his much-loved sniffing time and a bit of exercise (though that does fuel my happiness); it’s also that I’m reminded of the simple truth: there is so much more to life than spending 8+ hours making someone else’s business dreams come true.

While I try to weave mindfulness into every corner of my day, our walks are where that intention really blooms. I like to play a quiet game of “I Spy” with myself—trying to notice something new I haven’t seen on the 1000+ walks before. Maybe it’s a small stain on the pavement, possibly from a mother walking her baby and dropping a bit of ice cream. Or I’ll tune in to what I hear. Is that a new bird I haven’t heard before? Or maybe the same one has finally built a nest, and I’m now hearing the tiniest chorus of chirps coming from a nearby lamp post.

The point is—what might seem like a chore to most dog owners becomes something else entirely when we choose to romanticize it. The simple act of walking transforms into a soft, therapeutic practice. One that keeps us gentle, grateful, and beautifully present.

Slow down and savor the moment. Take the scenic route. Notice the trees that gift us oxygen, or the salt-kissed ocean breeze if you’re lucky enough to live near the shore. Watch how your dog’s ears perk up. See the flowers bloom. Listen to the birds.

Let your dog set the pace. Follow their lead. Let them sniff and mark their territory—it’s their form of social media, after all. While they explore, let your thoughts wander too. Just remember to stay aware of your surroundings so you can stay safe.

What may start as a simple daily task can become a daily return to softness, to presence, and to you.