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[walkingdetroit]

Peaceful Saturday

Yesterday I walked up Woodward to the Wayne State Industry Innovation Center for Plant It Fest.

After enjoying the vendors and a jackfruit slider, I walked back home and soaked in the beautiful day.

[walkingdetroit]

NFL Draft Begins

Welcome to Detroit, visitors! I strolled down to observe the scene earlier this afternoon. Here's some photos from Day One. 🏈

[walkingdetroit]

Thursday Thoughts 4.25

I created this page after being told by someone that I couldn’t move to Detroit without a car. 

After living car-free for eight years (NYC, Chicago, Boston, and Traverse City), I decided to share how I do it. I’m not from Detroit, nor am I an expert or a guide. This was created as a look at how I see the world as I navigate the Motor City on foot, bike, or bus.

It’s a page dedicated to walkability, wellness, sustainable living, simplicity, and sharing how I’ve lived for 10 years- wherever I am in the world, I’d be living this same lifestyle.

At the core, I’m an introvert who is passionate about solo exploration, self discovery, and doing what I can to contribute to a healthier world.

You won’t find me going out to eat much (I love creating my own salads and vegan food at home), going to many social gatherings, or partaking in a lot of consumerism- but if you’re down with parks, long walks, farmer’s markets, and active travel, this is for you. 🌸

[walkingdetroit]

Taking the long way home 🌸 

Week after week I go to the same places, walk to the grocery store, and run the same errands- even when I had a car, I would take different ways to make life more interesting. I do the same thing while walking ☺️ 

Last night I enjoyed the Brush Park blossoms on my walk back from Whole Foods. Here’s my reverse trip!

[walkingdetroit]

When in Doubt, Go For a Walk

I started walking a lot as a way to process my emotions and relieve anxiety, especially when I was living in New York City. Some days I would walk 15 miles without even realizing it! The more I walked and explored city streets, the fuller my life became. Walking has helped me connect with my community, clear my mind, and boost my creativity.

As a city dweller since 2008, walking is so much more than just a way to get from point A to point B- it can truly help you heal. There are many reasons I’ve decided to live car-free, but active travel and implementing exercise into my daily routine have been key for both my mind and spirit. 

[walkingdetroit]

Every Day is Earth Day 🌎

I’ve been even more conscious about what I consume since going car-free 10 years ago. Whether it’s shopping second-hand, grocery shopping with a reusable tote, or refilling my glass water bottle, every small action makes a big difference. 

It’s hard to believe that in 2014 I was a fashion blogger packing up my house in Traverse City to move to New York. Mindlessly purchasing and filling my closet, I used to have FOMO about staying on top of the latest styles. Back then, I didn’t think about the environmental impacts of everything I had collected over the years. 

I recently watched the Brandy Melville documentary on Max, which was even more shocking than I expected. Beaches and markets in Ghana are filled with wasted clothes from the US and Europe, leaving the country and people with our mess. It was heartbreaking.

Some people may wonder why I always wear the same variation of a black outfit- not only do I feel good in black, but my capsule wardrobe has been a direct response to the overconsumption in the United States. I sold and donated half of my wardrobe while living in NYC eight years ago, leaving me a lot lighter both on the inside and outside. 

Trends come and go, but we only have one home- Mother Earth. Treat her well 🩵

[walkingdetroit]

Detroit Historical Museum

What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Here are a few of the highlights from my visit. I hope you had a great weekend!

[walkingdetroit]

Reemerging

It’s the season to blossom- both outside and within ourselves. After a long season full of lessons and cold, it’s amazing to finally go back outside, soak in the sunshine, and start writing again.

I haven’t been writing much since the pandemic, but that’s about to change. When the world shut down and we were all at home, I felt like my own story wasn’t as important. I stopped sharing my own experiences since so many people were going through much worse. Nevertheless, now that the world has opened back up and we have returned to jobs and the daily grind, it feels like an important time to share where I’ve been and why I live the way I do.

We spend so much of our lives chasing happiness, unaware that the true fulfillment is within ourselves. Just look out your window- the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and blossoms fill the trees. Nature doesn’t look to the future for fulfillment; it just is.

Walking started as a way for me to calm down my mind when it was full of thoughts, and much of my writing over the years was inspired by the inspiration during quiet days in nature. Whether it was circling city blocks or relaxing in the park, I’ve always found contentment in my own company, snapping photos and writing my thoughts as I wondered what was next.

You never know what tomorrow brings, but the one thing you have control over is the now. Take care of yourself today- your future will thank you. 🌸

[walkingdetroit]

Grounded in Detroit

This photo was taken 17 years ago in my backyard when my mom came to visit me in the suburbs. It’s hard to believe that I was once engaged with a car, boat, house, and weekend trips to Home Depot.

That was also the most miserable time of my life.

After a year in the suburbs, I put in my notice at my job in Southfield and started to line up interviews in San Francisco. In April 2008, I took a one-way flight to SFO where my sister picked me up at the airport and brought me to an apartment I had never seen before. Two roommates welcomed me with open arms, and at 23 years old, I finally began to live the life I had always dreamed about. Walking out my door to grab coffee. Hopping on the bus to go to work. People-watching along city streets, happenstance meetings, and serendipitous moments wherever I went. There was something magical about being 20-something in an unfamiliar city, and I didn’t miss the security I once had. 

16 years later, I’m still living the life I had always wanted- but I’m now back home in Michigan. I never would have dreamed that I would be able to live Downtown Detroit, walking to cafes and the grocery store, but here we are. 

Detroit has come a long way these past 16 years, and so have I. Every now and then I compare myself to people with a lot of material things, and then I remember how unhappy I was when I had everything at such a young age.

This is my own reminder, and yours, to remember who you are, what values you hold, and what type of life you truly want to live. To me, less is more, and meaning is found in the moments- not the material.

Grateful for my unconventional path since 2008- and for feeling grounded here in Detroit. 💚

[walkingdetroit]

NFL Draft Setup

Checked out the NFL Draft setup yesterday- Downtown Detroit is busy getting it together for next weekend!

I’m so excited for the rest of the country to see our beautiful city.

[walkingdetroit]

Happy Earth Day Weekend!

Happy Earth Day weekend!

Even in the middle of the city, nature is all around us. Remember that every small step toward making Mother Earth a better place is progress!

Here are a few simple ways to make an impact:

 🌿Saying no to plastic

🌿 Using alternative transportation

 🌿Planting a tree

 🌿Picking up litter

 🌿Choosing plant-based foods 

 🌿Shopping second-hand

 🌿Sharing the message of sustainability!

I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

[walkingdetroit]

Spring Blessings

I think spring is my favorite season.

As the flowers reemerge and the smell of warm air fills open windows, it’s impossible not to feel gratitude for all the beauty that surrounds us. 🌸

[walkingdetroit]

7 Days Until the NFL Draft!

What a beautiful Thursday!

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching and I got a chance to check out the set-up on this lovely afternoon. I'm so excited for next weekend!

[walkingdetroit]

Midtown in Bloom

I hope you had a beautiful weekend!

[walkingdetroit]

Saturday in Bloom

The city is looking good for the NFL Draft!

There is a new fountain coming in at Hart Plaza, so I checked that out on my way to enjoy some time relaxing by the Detroit River.

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Rainy Day Walk

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Chase Your What If