Paula Young

Thoughts on Day 10

Today was a quiet one.

I didn't really have a whole lot of thoughts during my walk today, and for once, I think that was exactly what I needed.

I got to share today's walk with James and take him along a trail that Walty and I discovered a few days ago. We walked in the rain, taking our time and enjoying being outdoors despite the weather. Walt and I also got our first photo together for this fundraiser, which felt like a small but meaningful milestone.

As I've settled into this challenge, I've noticed myself appreciating the simple things more. The sound of the rain, having James beside me, watching Walt enjoy himself, and the opportunity to move my body. There wasn't a big lesson or deep reflection waiting for me on the trail today, and that's okay.

In a world that constantly demands our attention, thoughts, and energy, there was something refreshing about giving my mind permission to be quiet for a while. No overthinking, no planning, no worrying about what comes next. Just walking.

The lesson I took from today is that peace doesn't always come from finding answers. Sometimes it comes from giving your mind a chance to rest while life unfolds around you.

Thoughts on Day 9

Today was just Walty and I on our walk.

We followed a route we've walked many times before. There was no wind, and the clouds hung low and heavy above us. Everything felt a little quieter than usual.

Walt was slow to move today. He seemed to be taking everything in as we walked, listening carefully and watching what was happening around him. Maybe yesterday's beach adventure had tired him out a little, but despite his slower pace, he was still just as excited to head out the door when I picked up his lead.

I love that about him. No matter how big the adventure was the day before, he's always ready to show up again. He doesn't rush, he doesn't push himself too hard, and he doesn't worry about how far we have left to go. He just puts one paw in front of the other and enjoys the journey.

The lesson I took from today is that not every day has to be your biggest or most productive day. Sometimes progress looks like slowing down, listening to your body, and continuing at a pace you can maintain. This fundraiser isn't won in a single walk; it's built one day at a time. There's plenty of time to reach our goals, and consistency will always take us further than trying to do too much all at once.

Thoughts on Day 8

Today we shared our walk with James.

We headed to Walt's favourite place in the world - the beach!

It was my first time back at Yanchep Dog Beach in a little while, and the sand has banked up so much since the storm a couple of weekends ago.

Standing there, it made me think about how amazing Mother Nature is. She's powerful, relentless, and capable of completely reshaping a landscape in a matter of days. Yet at the same time, she can be beautiful, calming, and provide a sense of peace and tranquillity.

We experience all of those things within ourselves too. We can feel strong, overwhelmed, calm, frustrated, joyful, or everything in between. Sometimes we get annoyed at ourselves for feeling a certain way, but emotions aren't the problem, it's how we choose to respond to them that matters most.

The lesson I took from today is that, just like nature, we're not meant to feel the same way all the time. There will be storms, calm seas, and everything in between. The important thing is to keep moving forward, trusting that even the rough patches can shape us into something stronger and more beautiful than before.

Thoughts on Day 7

Thoughts on Day 6

Today felt lighter. My thoughts were calm.

I think the unexpected winter sunshine brightened my day. Rain had been forecast all weekend, but instead we were treated to blue skies and sunshine.

Today, I walked towards the ocean along a different path. It was quieter, with bushland and dunes to one side of me, and new estates on the other. 

Secretly, I was hoping to spot some kangaroos, and sure enough, we came across five of them during our walk.

Walt was in his element, getting the zoomies through the deep sand that had blown across the path.

He brings so much happiness to everyone who meets him, and I often wonder if he knows just how much he's changed my life and how much good he's brought into this world.

Not many dogs can say they've helped raise money for cancer, but somehow, that's exactly what he's doing.

The lesson I took from today is that life feels a little lighter when you focus on what's right in front of you instead of worrying about what's ahead. Today, that was sunshine, kangaroos, the sound of the ocean, and a happy dog covered in sand.

Thoughts on Day 5

Today's walk was extra special because I had the company of my best friend and her beautiful daughter, who is just shy of her first birthday.

As we walked, I found myself thinking about how she has her whole life ahead of her. The thought that this fundraiser could, in some small way, contribute to a future that's brighter for her generation and those that follow is pretty amazing.

Another thing that's been on my mind lately is the number of coincidences that seem to be happening. 

I found out that my aunt and uncle have booked the exact same flights back to Ireland as us later this year. An old colleague of mine is taking part in this exact fundraiser. One of my friends back home is spending June walking her dog to raise money for a dog shelter. And while out on today's walk, I randomly bumped into two colleagues from my previous job.

Maybe they're just coincidences, but I can't help but find them beautiful. They remind me how connected we all are, even when we don't realise it.

Although it's usually just Walt and I heading out each day, I love knowing that friends near and far are also out there walking alongside a cause they care about. 

Different paths, different places, but all moving towards something bigger than ourselves. 

Thoughts on Day 4

Today, I felt proud of myself for taking on this 50km challenge and, more importantly, for committing to it.

It got me thinking about the last time I did what we'd call, a “sponsored walk” back in Ireland. Somewhat shamefully, my thoughts took me all the way back to primary school! 

As far as I can remember, that's the last time I walked specifically to raise funds for a charity that I felt connected to.

Back then, taking part was easy because it was organised through the school. It was simply something we all did. 

This time feels different because it's something I've chosen to do entirely of my own free will.

That thought made me realise how lucky we are to have the freedom and opportunity to do so many wonderful things that can benefit others, yet so often we don't. 

Not because we don't care, but because life gets busy. Work, family, responsibilities, and everyday commitments can easily fill every spare moment.

And I completely understand that because life is busy.

But today's walk got me wondering whether there might be small ways to combine the things we already enjoy doing with helping a cause we care about. A walk, a run, a swim, a bike ride, a bake sale, a hobby, or a challenge. Things we might have done anyway, but with a little extra purpose behind them.

If this fundraiser has taught me anything so far, it's that making a difference doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes it just starts with deciding to do something and taking the first step. 

Thoughts on Day 3

My thoughts felt a little more settled today. I was glad to be out walking in the fresh, crisp air and, this time, not focusing so much on the distance.

My biggest thought during today's walk was how grateful I am for everyone who has donated to this cause. Not only for the donations themselves, but for the incredibly kind and encouraging words that have come with them.

Earlier in the day, my patience had been tested. During my 20minute drive home from work, I found myself getting frustrated by the number of impatient and rude drivers I came across. Then I heard an audio that completely changed my perspective.

It spoke about the truly good people in this world, the ones who don't take their hard times out on others, who choose kindness when no one is watching, and who are polite simply because that's the type of person they want to be.

It reminded me that while we can't control how others behave, we can control how we respond. Sometimes all it takes is a small shift in perspective to turn frustration into understanding.

As I walked today, I realised that's a lesson worth carrying with me. Some days will test our patience, some days will test our motivation, but we always have a choice in how we move forward.

And today, I'm choosing gratitude🐾💛

Thoughts on Day 2

Today’s thoughts were very different from Day 1’s.

Yesterday, we couldn’t fit a walk in between work and a family ceremony, and if I’m being honest, I felt a little disappointed. Then I reminded myself that this is a monthly challenge, not a daily one. The kilometres will be made up along the way.

Today, I noticed I wasn't quite as reflective about the cause I was walking for. Maybe I had other things on my mind, or maybe I was too focused on clocking up a few extra kilometres to make up for yesterday. Either way, my thoughts were less about the destination and more about the distance.

I guess that’s another lesson this journey is teaching me: take it one day at a time. Some days will be bigger than others, some more meaningful than others, and that’s okay. What matters is keeping going.

Thoughts on Day 1

Today was the first walk of the challenge, and I think I've already discovered what this fundraiser is really about.

As Walt and I headed off, I found myself thinking about the people I've known who lost their battle with cancer. But rather than dwelling on the sadness, I found myself smiling as I remembered the good times we shared together; the laughs, the stories, and the memories that are still very much alive.

Along the way, I passed plenty of strangers out walking too. It made me wonder what had brought each of them out that day. Were they working towards a health goal? Clearing their mind after a difficult day? Simply enjoying time with their dog? Or perhaps they were taking part in a fundraiser of their own, walking for a cause close to their heart.

It reminded me that we all carry our own stories, challenges and motivations. From the outside, a walk is just a walk, but for many of us it means so much more.

Today's walk wasn't just about covering kilometres. It was about remembering, reflecting, appreciating the people we love, and recognising that every step taken for a good cause has a story behind it.

Here's to the first of many walks, with Walt by my side and plenty of reasons to keep putting one foot in front of the other.