Can you walk for exercise for at least 30 minutes for 30 days?

On January 1, I vowed to walk for exercise every day for 366 days in 2020. Then on January 24, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I must confess that when I got the news one of my first thoughts was, “Crap! Is this going to mess up my plans to walk for exercise every day for 366 days?”

Well, so far, it hasn’t. I walked after my lumpectomy. I walked after surgery for my chemotherapy port placement. And I’ve walked every day since I started chemotherapy.

Over on my personal blog, WriteousBabe.com, I shared that even though my oncologist has recommended that I exercise every day for at least 20 minutes while I go through chemo to help fight fatigue, that’s not why I walk every day.

You see, cancer, chemo, and all of the side effects of both make me feel as if I have no control over my own body. But when I walk, I take back my power. When I walk, I take back my agency over my own body. When I walk, I feel free. When I walk, I feel like myself – even if just for a little while.

Walking also helps me as a writer. Some of my best ideas for blog posts, personal essays, and even social media posts come to me while I’m walking. I often think of ledes for freelance stories while walking, too.

And that’s why I want to challenge you to walk with me!

Usually in June I challenge myself to walk/run 100 miles. As much of a warrior as I like to claim to be I am NOT attempting this while in active cancer treatment. Sorry. Not sorry.

But I am going to keep walking every day and I hope you will join me.

Here’s the challenge: Walk for exercise for at least 30 minutes every day for 30 days in the month of June.

I love to share my walks — either through video of my legs putting in the work or with a post-walk selfie — on my Instagram @seejavaciawrite. During the challenge, I’d love for you to do the same and tag me. Also use the hashtag #seejanewalk.

But wait! There’s more!

If you successfully complete the challenge — and we’ll be using the honor system — you will be entered into a drawing for a FREE one-year See Jane Write Collective membership. That’s a savings of nearly $240!

So, if you’re down for the challenge, let me know on Instagram, in the comments of this post, or both.

Let’s do this!