Paula Young

Thoughts on Day 20

I knew that stepping out on this walk would be the one where we finally surpassed our fundraising goal. It felt surreal.

I've been under the weather for the last couple of days, but with bad weather forecast for the weekend, and my determination to finish something I'd set out to do, I knew I just had to get out there today.

The wind was incredibly strong and bitterly cold. It was so loud that, as it rushed through the bushland, it reminded me of the sounds of the Australian outback. Sand was blowing across the road and footpath at high speed, and I found myself feeling grateful for Walt's long eyelashes. I'm hoping the same theory that protects camels' eyes applies to dogs too!

For most of the walk, I found myself thinking about Walt - how incredible he is, and how much closer this fundraiser has actually brought us. Every day we've spent walking together has strengthened our bond, and that's a gift I never expected this challenge to give me.

There were also moments that took me right back to Day 1 of this fundraiser, and to the people I'm walking in aid of. The difference this time was how I felt. Back then, I carried a lot of overwhelm. Today, I simply felt proud.

Proud that I committed to something outside of my comfort zone.
Proud that I kept showing up, even on the days I didn't feel like it.
And proud that, in some small way, I've been able to help support the lives of others.

Reaching this goal doesn't feel like the finish line. If anything, it feels like the beginning of something. These walks have given me space to reflect, to connect with others, to reconnect with myself, and to realise that sometimes the smallest steps can lead to the biggest changes.

To everyone who has followed this journey, read my reflections, donated to our fundraiser, shared words of encouragement, or simply walked alongside us in spirit - thank you. Your kindness and support have meant more than you'll ever know.

My biggest take away from this fundraiser is that sometimes the goal isn't the most meaningful part of the journey. It's the person you become while finding your way there.

Thoughts on Day 19

We did a 3km coastal walk around our neighbourhood this evening. There was next to no wind, the sun was shining, and it was just one of those lovely, fresh walks that leaves you feeling lighter. The ocean was calm, there weren't many people around, and everything just felt peaceful.

Knowing we only have 3km left until we reach our fundraising target fills me with such a sense of accomplishment. But I already know I won't be stopping there. I'll keep walking, because this challenge has become about so much more than the kilometres.

I've found this fundraiser incredibly therapeutic. It's held me accountable to get outside every day, but it's also held me accountable to check in with myself. Every evening I've taken the time to reflect on my thoughts, my feelings, and the lessons each walk has brought. I didn't expect that part to be just as valuable as the fundraising itself.

Over the last few days, I've had some really meaningful conversations with some special people in my life. It's reminded me that we never truly know what someone else is carrying. Everyone has a story, struggles that often stay hidden beneath the surface.

Those conversations have also reminded me to give myself a little more credit. We can be so quick to minimise our own experiences because someone else 'has it worse', but pain isn't a competition. The things we've been through still shape us, and they deserve to be acknowledged with kindness rather than dismissed.

I think that's one of the biggest lessons I'm taking away from this challenge. Humans are made to connect. We're meant to share our stories, to feel our emotions - the good ones and the difficult ones. When we keep everything locked away, those feelings don't disappear; they find other ways to stay with us. But when we talk, when we connect, and when we allow ourselves to be seen, the weight somehow becomes a little lighter.

Today's lesson is that healing doesn't always come from having the answers. Sometimes it comes from walking, listening, connecting, and allowing yourself to be seen.

Thoughts on Day 18

I wasn't too sure if we were going to make it out for a walk this evening.

It had been a big day at work, I still had groceries to collect, clothes to drop off at Good Sammy's, laundry to get through and the house to reset. On top of that, I wasn't sure whether yesterday's hike had taken too much out of Walt.

But once everything was done, I looked over at him and there he was, ready and waiting. Harness time. No hesitation.

So off we went.

I didn't have a destination in mind this evening. Instead, I let the sky decide. The clouds had formed the most beautiful pattern, with soft pink hues stretching across the horizon, and I just wanted to find somewhere open enough to take it all in. Naturally, that led us towards the ocean.

It was one of those rare winter evenings where the air felt still. No wind, just calm. It was also the warmest evening we'd had in about a week, making it all the more enjoyable.

As we walked, I realised we're now only 6 kilometres away from reaching our fundraising target!

That made me stop and think about Walt.

He's been my absolute rock throughout this challenge. No matter the weather, the time of day or how much energy either of us has left, he's always ready to put his harness on and head out the door. There's something so special about that kind of loyalty. He doesn't know we're fundraising or counting kilometres - he's simply happy to be beside me, every single step of the way.

It's also made me incredibly grateful for my own body. These last few weeks have reminded me not to take it for granted. Every step, every hill, every early morning and every evening walk has only been possible because my body has carried me there. 

The lesson I took from today is that consistency doesn’t always look exciting. Sometimes it's simply showing up after a long day, putting one foot in front of the other and appreciating those who quietly walk beside you. Those small, ordinary moments are often what carry us further than we ever imagined.

Thoughts on Day 17

Today's walk took us into the hills outside Armadale, where we hiked along the old water channel that was built in the 1930s to bring drinking water into Perth. I love that this challenge has become about more than just walking - it's also encouraging me to explore places I've never been before and learn more about the history that's right on my doorstep.

The scenery was beautiful. A winding red dirt track, vibrant green grass, towering trees, birds singing overhead and kangaroos hopping through the bush. It was one of those walks where you can't help but slow down and take it all in.

Evidence of a recent bushfire was still everywhere. Many of the tree trunks were blackened, their bark scarred by the flames. Yet, amongst it all, fresh green leaves were sprouting from branches that looked as though they had nothing left to give. I've always found that incredible. Nature has such a remarkable way of recovering, quietly and patiently, even after experiencing something so destructive.

Along the trail I also met a few friendly people who were curious about my drone. It was lovely chatting to strangers about one of my favourite hobbies. It's funny how often a simple conversation with someone you've never met can brighten your day.

The lesson I took from today is that growth doesn't always happen in perfect conditions. Sometimes the strongest signs of life appear after we've been through our hardest seasons. Just like the bush after a fire, healing doesn't erase what's happened - it grows alongside it. The scars may remain, but so does the possibility of new life.

Thoughts on Days 16

Just over halfway through this challenge, I'm realising these walks have become about so much more than putting one foot in front of the other.

They've taught me that life isn't made up of the big milestones we spend so much time chasing. It's made up of ordinary moments that are easy to overlook - a familiar street, a dog who insists on stopping to sniff everything, a conversation with a friend, the feeling of your body carrying you where you want to go.

Lately I've also been thinking about the battles we don't see.

Some people are fighting illnesses that are visible. Others are carrying struggles that never make it to the surface. Whether it's cancer, mental illness or something else entirely, we rarely know the weight someone is carrying.

Maybe that's why these walks matter.

They remind me to slow down. To notice. To appreciate my own health, while never assuming someone else's smile tells the whole story. To make the phone call. To stop waiting for the "right" time to catch up. To choose kindness because we never really know what someone else is walking through.

If these sixteen walks have taught me anything, it's that life isn't measured by how busy we are. It's measured by the moments we choose to be present for, and the people we choose to walk alongside.

Thoughts on Days 15

Today's walk was my first late evening walk of the challenge.

Walt isn't usually a fan of walking in the dark, so I tend to avoid it, but with work and life's other responsibilities, sometimes a later walk is the only opportunity I get to clock up the kilometres.

As soon as we set off, I noticed how different everything felt. The footpaths were almost empty, the roads were quiet, and the only real signs of life were the training sessions happening on the nearby ovals. I usually only ever notice the kids' sports during the day, but it made me smile knowing the adults get their turn once the sun goes down.

It was one of those proper winter evenings where the cold bites at your cheeks, so I wrapped up in my beanie and gloves. I have to admit, I love this time of year. There's something comforting about rugging up and heading out into the cold.

As we wandered past the playground, a little boy came over to meet Walt. He was full of questions and completely fascinated by him. Walt absolutely adores children, and watching him gently soak up the attention is one of my favourite things about him. 

Seeing the excitement and curiosity through a child's eyes, even for just a few minutes, is a beautiful reminder of how much joy can be found in the simplest interactions.

The lesson I took from today is that slowing down helps you notice the little things. A quiet street, people making time for their hobbies after a long day, a child stopping to say hello to a friendly dog - none of them are remarkable on their own, but together they're gentle reminders that life is happening all around us, often in the moments we'd otherwise rush straight past.

Thoughts on Days 11-14

On Sunday, I decided to switch up my usual route and walked through the suburb where I first lived after moving to Perth over ten years ago. James came with me, and as we wandered around, it really felt like my life here was starting to come full circle. The air was crisp, the winter sun was shining, and afterwards we were heading off to buy flower pots after stopping in to see his mum. Nothing extraordinary - just the kind of ordinary Sunday that somehow means everything. Having family nearby, familiar shops, routines we've created together... it's a lovely feeling to realise that somewhere which once felt so foreign now feels like home.

Tuesday's walk was a different story. I got up early to take Walt out before work, and of course it happened to be Perth's coldest morning of the year. It was absolutely freezing, but it certainly woke me up! The day before I'd skipped my walk because my upper back was so sore I was nearly in tears, and it reminded me how easy it is to take our bodies for granted. We often don't appreciate being able to move, walk and enjoy the little things until something hurts enough to stop us.

Today's walk brought another unexpected reminder. Walt decided to do his business in a spot he never normally does, which meant I used a different council bin than usual. As I walked away, I heard someone call my name. It was a friend I hadn't seen in months. We stood chatting about life, promising we'd organise a proper catch-up, before laughing at how easily life gets swallowed up by work, weekends and routines. We all seem to wait for the perfect time to see the people we care about, when in reality, that perfect time rarely arrives.

It made me think that maybe we're overcomplicating connection. A catch-up doesn't have to be a big dinner or something planned weeks in advance. It can be as simple as inviting someone along for a walk that was already going to happen anyway. Sometimes the smallest changes to our routine create the biggest opportunities.

The lesson I've taken from these walks is that a fulfilling life isn't usually built from the big milestones - it's built from ordinary moments that we choose to notice. Home, health, familiar faces, unexpected conversations and time spent with the people we love are often the things that matter most. Sometimes all it takes is slowing down enough to realise they've been there all along.

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.