Remember when I said that I had started running? Well, I stopped. Not stopped stopped – it was more of a slow stop: there were few “it’s too hot to go for a run”, many “I just got my hair done, so I don’t want to mess it up” and some “it’s wayyyyy too cold to go out today”.

One thing I did pick up – and ultimately stuck with – during the pandemic is walking. Confession: I live at the base of a mountain. And yet, before Covid, you couldn’t pay me to go on the trails. But eh, that’s what the past two years have been all about: discovering new hobbies! Baking was definitely out of the question because the goal was to get out of my house. And so, a couple of girlfriends and I started meeting up to go on walks – and the occasional proper hike.

What started as occasional thing turned into a solid commitment. So imagine my joy when I came across Hike Mtl, a diversity and inclusion outdoors club.

As a black person, you don’t see a lot of people that look like you in these spaces, or in advertising. As an outdoor enthusiast I found a need to create a safe and inclusive space. A space that inspires and encourages black, racialized and marginalized people to get outdoors. A space for everyone to take advantage of nature’s therapeutic benefits.

The club’s founder, Jamillah Jean, had me at hello. While I enjoy my solo lunchtime walk, it’s just as nice to go out there with a few kindred spirits.

Right about now, I’m probably making my way down the top of Mont-Royal. Or I’m sitting by Sir George-Étienne Cartier’s monument, planning my next outing with the other members. Either way, I’m taking care of myself – mentally and physically.

Walking, you should give it a try. It’s the new chicken soup for the soul.

✌🏾 Sergelyne