Walking with grief: Carolyn’s story
May 2025
To mark National Walking Month this May, former WAY Widowed and Young member Carolyn Gould, founder of Walking for Wellbeing and the author of a guided book about walking in nature, shares why walking has become so important to her since she was widowed.
“Walking has been a huge part of my life since becoming widowed in 2019. It has had a profoundly positive effect on my health and wellbeing, especially on my mental health.
Walking in nature is powerful, I didn’t fully appreciate that at first. I’ve always loved walking and being outside but didn’t really understand why, until it became my saviour. Now, I walk daily. If I don’t get out regularly, I notice a real dip in my mood.
My need to walk was strong. Over time I realised it was a mindful practice, one that gave my busy mind a break. It allows me space to breath, to focus on what’s in front of me – the sights, the sounds, the simple rhythm of putting one foot in front of the other. That rhythm became a powerful tool to help me begin healing and navigate the heavy emotions that grief brings and find my way through and look forward.
I’m not saying a walk makes it all better, but if it’s one thing you can try, I highly recommend walking. I find it calms me. There are so many benefits to walking in nature.
It has taken me time to get to where I am with my walking, but now I am able to be fully present and take in everything that’s around me. I always feel better after a walk, especially on the harder days.
I also like to write and take photos as well. Sometimes I find a spot to sit and write whatever comes up, which is another great outlet for processing thoughts, feelings and emotions.
When I was first widowed, unfortunately I wasn’t given any help or advice on where to look for support. I decided to start searching online and came across a couple of support groups for young widowed people, one being WAY Widowed and Young. I decided to join and found it useful. Speaking to and hearing other thoughts from other young widowed people was very helpful. I felt less alone. I didn't interact hugely but found reading other people’s stories, thoughts and feelings a great help.
It was a comfort knowing my own thoughts and feelings were valid and understood. I also liked the subgroups within WAY, which meant those with the same interests, such as walking, could come together, meet up and chat.
I highly recommend finding groups such as WAY for a peer support network of people who understand how you truly feel.”
You can follow Carolyn on Instagram @walkingandwellbeing. She has also written two books about walking:
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