Hey everyone!

To meet your commitments, there's nothing like making a promise. It does not matter what form it takes, as long as it has such symbolic strength that it does not allow us to deviate from it.

I promised to take a walk every day. Whether it is rainy, windy or shiny, I keep my promise no matter what. Sometimes I stick my nose outside for as little as ten minutes because it's raining. Or I go to the end of the street and retrace my steps because the pain attacks caused by my pericarditis do not allow me any more. But still, every day, I go out to breathe and walk. That's all I have left, and I look forward to making the most of it.

I started with a quick tour of the neighborhood, then a bigger one. I didn't dare walk away for fear of feeling bad and not having the strength to come back.

I ended up finding a relatively flat and shady path. It is a concrete passage lined with trees and flowers and reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. Apart from the small passage on the bridge where you can hear the noise of the traffic, it is very calm and relaxing. I particularly enjoy the singing of birds, the vegetation and the blue sky, the softness of the sun, and above all, I love watching the changing seasons. The landscapes change and I cling to this impermanence like a precious gift.

I try to keep my heart rate below 100 beats per minute. I occasionally check that I am within this limit using my oximeter. I take care to mobilize the knees, ankles, pelvis. It is important not to put your hands in your pockets and to let your arms swing naturally alongside your body. Slow down when you feel pain in your chest, back or left shoulder.

It was a mini adventure to find new walks that allowed me to balance my efforts correctly. The places I was able to discover were worth it. I also try to make them safe enough to do my vestibular physiotherapy exercises designed to improve my balance. For example, I avoid curbs or holes along the way because I need to be able to walk with my eyes closed. I try to take up to twenty paces in a straight line while keeping my eyes closed. And I repeat this 3 to 5 times. Another exercise is to turn your head alternately left and right about 40 times, walking in a straight line and keeping your eyes open.

My daily walk keeps me from losing the muscles in my legs. It maintains the mobility of my joints and prevents my back from getting stuck by staying in a sitting or lying position.

In my heart and deep inside, I made this promise to come out every day regardless of the circumstances, whatever the pains, whatever my morale, whatever the weather and climatic conditions. This promise is not easy to keep. But setting up this routine is one of the pillars of how I take care of myself on this journey against this chronic disease. Gradually, I see myself evolving and that is a bonus, a positive.

GO OUT EVERY DAY! YOU DRESS ON, PUT ON YOUR SHOES AND GET OUT!

Pericordially yours,

Vali