Hold My Poles: Nordic Walking Taught Me to Love Myself, One Step at a Time
I used to think “loving myself” meant big gestures—expensive spas, fancy dinners, checking off a long self-care to-do list. But lately, I’ve found the sweetest form of self-love in something far simpler: lacing up my sneakers, grabbing my Nordic walking poles, and hitting the trail near my home in Austin.
Let’s be real—life gets chaotic. Between work deadlines, grocery runs, and trying to keep in touch with friends, I’d been putting everyone and everything before myself. I’d collapse on the couch at night, feeling drained, like I’d spent the whole day running on fumes without ever stopping to breathe. That’s when a friend suggested Nordic walking—“it’s not hiking, it’s not just walking,” she said. “It’s slow, it’s gentle, and it’s just for you.”
At first, I was skeptical. Two poles? Walking? How could that be “self-care”? But the first time I stepped onto the tree-lined trail, poles in hand, something shifted. The poles took the pressure off my knees, making each step feel light, like I was gliding instead of trudging. The sun filtered through the oak trees, dappling the path with gold. I breathed in the fresh, earthy scent of pine and wildflowers, and for the first time in weeks, my mind went quiet—no to-do lists, no stress, no “shoulds.” Just me, my poles, and the sound of my own footsteps blending with the birdsong.
Nordic walking isn’t about speed or distance. It’s about showing up for myself, even on the days I don’t feel like it. Some mornings, I only walk 20 minutes—slowly, stopping to admire a butterfly or a patch of clover. Other weekends, I head to the nearby trail by the lake, walking for an hour, letting the breeze kiss my cheeks and the water calm my mind. It’s not about “getting in a workout” (though the extra burn from the poles is a nice bonus!). It’s about giving myself permission to slow down, to be present, to say “I matter” in the simplest way possible.
What I love most about it? It’s gentle—no jarring jumps, no sore muscles the next day. It’s kind to my body, which I’ve finally learned to stop pushing so hard. And here in the US, there are trails everywhere—city parks, neighborhood paths, even sections of national parks that are perfect for Nordic walking. I’ve started bringing a thermos of iced coffee with me, stopping at a bench halfway through to sip and soak in the moment. It’s my little ritual, my way of honoring the fact that I deserve peace, joy, and a little time just for me.
Loving life isn’t about being perfect or having it all together. It’s about finding joy in the small, quiet moments—the way the light hits the leaves, the feel of the poles in my hands, the quiet pride of taking care of myself, one step at a time. Nordic walking isn’t just a “sport” to me now. It’s a reminder that self-love is accessible, that it’s in the everyday, that it’s okay to slow down and just… be.
If you’re feeling drained, if you’re putting everyone else first, if you’re forgetting what it feels like to be present—give it a try. Grab a pair of poles (you can rent them first!), find a trail near you, and take that first step. You’ll be surprised how much peace you can find in a simple walk. After all, loving yourself, and loving life, starts with showing up—for you.
