Hiking sticks are “a thing” in Germany. People use them on walks through town. In the park. And surely for hiking through the forest. Many seniors walk with them, but it is common to see people of all ages walking with them.
Over the past few months, I repeatedly mentioned to my husband that I really wanted hiking sticks. Embrace Germany, right? My ankles are not the best. I am not known for being accident-free. They must help, right? How could so many Germans be wrong? So he gave me a wonderful pair for Christmas, supporting me in my new unexplored passion for hiking sticks.
I finally was able to take them for a test drive today with him and the dogs in the forest and the “mountains” behind our house. Wow! I cannot believe how two sticks could make my walking so much easier, more stable and secure, and ultimately, more enjoyable.
If you would have suggested a year ago in the US that I should use hiking sticks to enjoy the outdoors more, I would have scoffed and said that I am perfectly fine as I am. I don’t need sticks to help me hike.
But I reflected today while admiring the purple and pink sunset beams casting shadows on the snow-laden pine trees. All of this was made easier to enjoy with these sticks.
I am not growing younger.
It is not going to get easier.
It is up to me to adapt.
I should embrace the things that enable me to embrace the joys of life more.
So here is to discovering hiking sticks!
Embracing Second Half Wonders 
I can relate to this so much. I was a scoffer for many years too! But now I’m a complete convert. That’s a good point about being able to look up see the beauty more because you’re less worried about your steps. Sticks also help keep me motivated when I’m plodding up a mountain or something. It gets me like in a rhythm. Also, when I put the stick ahead of me to take my next step, it seems I mentally like “well, a stick is there anyway so I guess I might as well follow!” 😆
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So glad that you are a convert too!
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