I did something different yesterday.

Usually when Bella is with us, I try to squeeze in as much testing and as many meetings as I possibly can. And any white space on the calendar, I try to dedicate to report writing or other admin tasks.

I’ve always prioritized work.

Occasionally, I’ll run a few errands that are easier to do without Ishu. But, most of the time, when she’s with Ishu, I’ll take care of all the work things.

But this week, when I saw white space on my calendar, instead of trying to fill it with report writing and protocol scoring and the like, I decided to use that time to go outside and walk.

Walk with no purpose.

Not walking to the grocery store. Not walking so I could finish listening to a podcast.

And not walking with Ishu.

As much as I love my toddler-led walks, I have been missing these solo walks in my life. The ones where I can go at MY own pace. Stop when *I* want to. Move along when I want to.

I left the apartment right after Bella got here and walked for an hour. I had planned for a short 30-minute walk, but it was 55 degrees and sunny outside so 30 minutes extended to 45 minutes. 45 minutes extended to an hour. And then when I *did* eventually make it back home and settle down into my office chair, the sun kept teasing me from my window. So I quickly packed up all my things and went to go work at Robert’s by the river.

At the end of the day, I was happier, more fulfilled, and…can you believe it? More productive.

I was reflecting on the day with Ankur and I realized that if I had continued chugging along, trying to get through all the things I wanted to get through, I am CERTAIN that I would have gotten through less than I actually did by allowing myself that hour-long walk mid-day.

I felt so energized and clear-headed after the walk and, with the sun beating down on me, I whittled away at all my tasks for the day.

Sometimes I forget that by giving myself a little, I can do more in return.

Needless to say, there will be more walks during my white space. For some reason, that’s been the best productivity tool I’ve used thus far. (And you don’t have to download it. Ha).