Walks often give me messages, and they’re powerful messages, because they come at just the right moment; the most powerful messages are the ones you least expect, but we need them.

One of the things I like most about the city is the number of parks it has. Not only are there beaches, woodland parks, hills and botanical gardens, but in every neighbourhood there are parks with natural surroundings and playgrounds for children. It’s something that really struck me when I moved to the city.

Where I used to live, there were squares with a few play areas and some trees, but not many, and now even fewer following the major storm a year ago that swept everything away, and the tornado before that. They also have places for cycling, but they are small squares or parks and there is no real nature. Moreover, there are very few of them for such a large city.

Here, I get the impression that at every turn there is a place, especially for children, and I think that is very important. Importance is placed on spaces for walking, cycling, reading a book amidst a natural setting, or having a picnic. It will always depend on each person’s preference.

In this way, importance is placed not only on sport and physical health, but also on mental health, as walking relieves stress, relaxes the mind and helps you recharge your batteries. And if you can’t get far from the city, there’s always a park where you can take a moment to rest under a tree.

This is the park where I went for a lovely, long walk, enjoying every corner, because the park is huge; it has plenty of paths to explore, spaces to run, play with the children as a family, unwind after a long day’s work, and more.

The sun was glinting off the white clouds that day, and it seemed as though everything was bathed in bright, white light. There were areas of deep shade and other spots that were very well lit.

Lush trees and bushes with small flowers of various colours. I love it when the flowers start to appear; they bring joy and life, putting smiles on people’s faces, and that’s very good, good for the soul.

Even the pigeons were cheerful that day, enjoying a rest on the grass, or perhaps looking for seeds.

Along all the paths there were benches to simply rest, look around, chat with the person accompanying us, read, or listen to music.

I usually take it all in when I go for a walk, turning around to look at the path I’ve taken; the view is often very different.

I look up at the sky, the clouds, the treetops, and I never tire of saying that. I love walking amidst life, the green of health and hope, breathing in the fresh air, getting away from people, and savouring the silence accompanied by the breeze and birdsong.

And often I come across amazing things, like castles, yes, castles, and even if they’re just for children, I like them all the same. I imagine myself there as if it were a medieval castle, fighting battles, or perhaps I feel like the princess of the place, walking along its walls between the towers.

I always imagine things on my walks. In my mind, I made this castle enormous, as if it were real, or perhaps I let the child within me play with the idea for a while.

That light blue path could perfectly well be the water surrounding the magical castle; my inner child would have liked that. I love water.

And then I looked up at the sky again and nature gifted me the pink of universal love. For those who don’t know, the colour pink symbolises love; it’s my favourite colour, though I love all warm colours.

To see the trees blossom, filling with flowers, is to be reborn with them.

But you might ask: where is the message of this walk?

Well, right here, on a beautiful mural in a park toilet. Toilets always have murals, but they don’t always have written messages, and this one shouted loud and clear, saying: Your mental health matters, look after it every day.

And so I leave you to enjoy this spectacular walk with this message that came to me, but which I’m sharing with all of you.

Thank you very much for joining me on this Wednesday walk; I send you my warmest regards. See you soon.
Amonet.

All photographs are my own.