I’ve discovered a rewarding pastime that involves fresh air, exercise, and a sense of accomplishment in a world where problems can at times seem insurmountable. I’m not talking about pickle-ball, but what I’ve dubbed “pick-it-all!”.
Since my dog’s passing, walks around my neighborhood had too often become trudges. At the peak of forced isolation, at least frantically crossing the street to avoid potentially breathing in my neighbor’s exhales added a bit of sport to my walking adventure.
After one walk, where my wife again forbade me from touching the empty beer can I’d spotted in the bushes each day that week, I decided to buy an EZPIK – one of those gripper things. You know, the ones that older people like me use to reach high shelves without stretching and low floors without bending. The next walk, coupled with a plastic trash bag, I strolled the neighborhood like a man with a mission.
On my return route toting my bulging treasure trove of trash, I was greeted with smiles, thanks, well wishes and waves from grateful passerby’s who noticed and appreciated my task. I’ve since noticed others on similar walks, gripper and trash bag in hand and several who asked where I bought mine – just the right length, sturdy enough to pull a wine bottle out of the hedges, yet precise enough I can pick up a single straw, piece of paper or a cigarette butt.
I wanted to extend an invitation to you the reader to join in! Join Pick-it-All today! No reservations needed, no meetings, no dues, no schedules, just pick up some trash on your next walk (be safe, don’t touch gross stuff, don’t walk into traffic, etc…) take it home and include it in your regular pickup.
To me it seems like finding a solution to one problem gives me hope that together, we can find solutions to other problems, and make the world a little better for the effort.