Nadine J Walters – My Life

Question for me: How do you feel when you overextend yourself?

My answer: Not great, but not terrible either. It’s a feeling of in-between—mediocrity, really—both physically and mentally. And strangely enough, I’ve come to accept that middle ground with an open heart.

To put this in context, let me tell you about my hike in Zion National Park yesterday.

I genuinely love to hike. I walk every single day without fail. But I’m an easy hiker these days, mostly because of my very bad knees. It’s hard to believe I used to run marathons—bounding up and down mountains with ease. That version of me feels like a different lifetime.

Now, things have changed. My knees simply can’t handle the impact anymore, and the people around me don’t always realize just how difficult climbing has become for me.

We went on what was labeled a moderate hike. It was warm, and I wasn’t hydrating the way I should have. Everyone else seemed energized and unfazed, but I had to stop and rest. Once I rehydrated, I felt much better—my energy came back—but I was left with this nagging sense of inadequacy. I’m in good shape, so why did I struggle?

After a bit of reflection (and a quick glance at my Apple Watch), I realized I had climbed the equivalent of 20 flights of stairs. No wonder I felt depleted. The problem wasn’t me—it was a mismatch between the hike and what my body currently needs. The lesson? I need to better assess the demands of an activity before I agree to it.

Another piece of the puzzle was the overall energy of the weekend. I was surrounded by my children and their partners—lots of joy, lots of movement, lots of swirling energy. I’m someone who thrives on quiet and space, so the overstimulation added another layer to my exhaustion. What I really needed was to step back, set a boundary, and give myself permission to say no—to move at my own pace without feeling the need to keep up.

One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was realizing that I don’t need to do something out of a fear of missing out. I’m actually okay with missing out. In this case, I could have skipped a hike I’ve done many times before and wouldn’t have missed much—especially since I didn’t truly enjoy it this time. Between the difficulty, the crowds, and the fast pace, I spent more time looking at my feet than the scenery.

Lesson learned: don’t overdo it. Be proactive. Evaluate the situation ahead of time and make choices that are kind to your body and mind.

In the end, it was a beautiful day—despite a short stretch of exhaustion. I enjoyed the hike, the park, and the time with family…though the crowds are a story for another time. This morning, I’m opting out of the group activity, sitting quietly with my coffee, writing this blog, and sorting through my thoughts.

And honestly? I feel just fine.