While reading all the wonderful submissions from people sharing how they thrive, we discovered the following entry from Trudy Hussmann, editorial supervisor in the Department of Communications and Organizational Research at Kaiser Permanente Northwest.
"This morning I thrived by riding my bike to work—an almost daily practice for about a year and a half now. In fact, I haven't owned a car for that long."
Intrigued, we followed up with Hussman to learn more about her car-free life.
"What happened is that my car was totaled in an accident, and I decided not to get another one right away," she explains. "Now, I've completely adjusted to living without a car, although I occasionally rent one for the weekend."
Car-free bonuses
"I always feel totally invigorated by my morning ride, and relaxed after my evening ride home," Hussman shares.
In addition to the boost she gets from biking to and from work, Hussman lists the following car-free bonuses she values most:
- saving money
- getting more exercise
- enjoying better quality of life from reduced stress (no traffic jams or road rage!)
- reducing her carbon footprint
Neither snow nor rain . . .
Hussman lives in Portland, Oregon, where weather permits her to bike to work on most days. Besides biking, she also walks more since becoming car-free. "Last winter, when we got over a foot of snow, I simply walked to the office because the buses weren't running," she says.
"Exercise and movement are hardwired in me," Hussmann adds. "They make me feel good and I get antsy if I go a day or two without them." On top of biking, Hussman is an avid runner, hiker, and cross-country skier.
How did you thrive today?
Do you have a different way of living every day to the fullest? Share your unique experience or healthy habit by submitting your story, photo, or video.
Need some inspiration? Here are some ways people all over are thriving:
- Everyone in my family got a hug today . . . the dog, the cat, the husband, and of course, my beautiful daughter. — Carol Shim
- I went for a long walk, which helped me let go of all my concerns of the day. — Judy Asbury
- I surf every morning. — Isabelle Smith
- This morning, I ran on the treadmill for 40 minutes, which helped me keep a positive outlook throughout the day. — Sandy Bres
- For lunch I had a salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and beets—and the cucumbers and tomatoes were from my own garden. — Guy Chicoine
filed in: Exercise & Fitness
subjects: exercise, healthy-habits
