By La Tanyua Brown-Thompson, NAMI Contra Costa President
Walking Through Life: A Conversation on Self-Care
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to discuss the importance of self-care, not as a quick fix but as a lifestyle. Self-care has taught me to slow down, listen to my body, and begin the inner healing process.
I remember my first hike seven years ago as if it were yesterday. More than the physical walk, I remember my internal conversation with myself. I was uncomfortable because I was in unfamiliar territory. I didn’t know how long the trail would be or where it would lead. That moment helped me realize how much hiking mirrors life. Sometimes you feel alone, unsure, and without direction. You can’t always call on family or friends, especially when you’re walking a path they’ve never traveled.
But along the way, I met people who knew the area and could answer my questions. That reminded me how in life, the right people support you through the season you’re in. During that walk, I quieted the noise in my mind, listened to my body, gained clarity, and found space to heal. I learned to navigate, discovered shortcuts, and made connections that became lasting friendships. The walk, and being in nature, brought peace, clarity, and strength.
Even when I felt alone, I would look down and see footprints, bike tire tracks, or hear a dog running in the distance. Those were gentle reminders that others had walked or were on this path too. I wasn’t alone.
Another lesson I learned was the importance of wearing the right shoes. When I first started walking, I was on pavement and wore everyday tennis shoes. But hiking required shoes that gripped the ground and evenly distributed body weight. Just like shoes, you need the right people for your season. One friend may help with your wellness, another with your finances. Make sure the people around you align with where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.
Some of my favorite times to walk are in the morning, before or after a tough conversation, when I feel stuck, when I need to calm down, when I’m seeking clarity, or when I need to reconnect with myself.
Walking has become more than movement. It’s a safe space to reconnect with my heart, purpose, and peace.
This month, I invite you to try one self-care practice. Start small. Listen to your body. Learn from your own experience and give yourself permission to heal—one step at a time.