For a long time I had wanted to establish a women’s group that would be a vehicle for networking, support and the health of my friends – I just couldn’t identify a structure that suited my vision, but then …
Several years ago I read about an event which involved a collection of corporate high flyers, celebrities and young people from various backgrounds, walking from Apollo Bay to Lorne. There were approximately 20 of each, with all the corporates contributing $10,000 each, which would go towards assisting kids in need. A brilliant fundraiser you have to agree! But much more valuable in my eye, and to the delight of the organisers, were the relationships which developed, and the hearts and souls which were laid bare along the way. Unlikely pairings, confessions, new friendships….. Certainly it was anticipated that the adults would provide support to the kids, lending an ear and offering advice, but no one could have guessed the enormous impact the young ones would have on these self-assured, successful adults! The edict behind it…..”those who walk together, talk together”
After many hours and kilometres, the weary participants arrived at their destination – a makeshift village of Indian teepees which would be their accommodation for the night. Exhausted, yet exhilarated, they all gathered around the campfire, devouring a hearty meal and eagerly sharing their experience. One CEO tearfully related that he had reconnected with his estranged teenage daughter; another declared that overtime for himself and his management team was going to be seriously limited; the teenage boy from a juvenile detention centre had found himself a mentor; the overweight celebrity who had not exercised in years! And so the stories went on.
Would the same outcome have been achieved if this group had been ensconced in four walls? Probably not.
I have never forgotten this story and the adage of “walking and talking.”
In a world where social media has replaced conversation (don’t start me!), I was really missing those long chats with girlfriends, where the world’s problems are solved. I was also finding it increasingly difficult to find time to exercise. Or finding too many excuses?
If I was feeling this, I wondered how many of my friends were. As I suspected, I was not alone…..
And so the ‘Walky Talkys’ was born. Three years later we’re still going strong. We meet once a month for a walk, we have formed new friendships and we enjoy our annual trip away. And we have discovered some great coffee haunts…..a compulsory requirement at the end of each walk!
My ultimate goal is to see ‘Walky Talky’ groups popping up all over the world! It is so easy and inexpensive, and the benefits are endless.