I’ve always believed that real transformation doesn’t come from the perfect plan. It comes from showing up for yourself, day after day, even when it’s messy and imperfect. Unfortunately, in the health space, we don’t often get to hear the stories of real people showing up in the mundane.

We are filled to the brim with “shoulds,” “systems,” and “how-to” plans that we often don’t even take the time to contemplate what we need or how we need to do it. Instead, we shove ourselves into the ideas, often established in polished labs. 

I’m not against science or a good scientific study. I think they have a lot to offer. They can point us in a direction that offers change. But the real change happens only through doing it. That’s why I want to showcase more stories of real people who are living examples of what it looks like to live out health.

Lived Stories Provide Endless Wisdom

Annette is a perfect example. I got a front-row seat to her transformation during the Summer Walking Club, but honestly, it wasn’t anything I said or did. It was her, showing up day after day. 

I asked Annette to share her story because it encouraged me, and I think it will encourage you, too. Not necessarily to hit one and a half million steps, but the underlying message is simple: just show up for yourself. Do the thing, even if it’s hard. Who knows, you might find your own way of living healthy. And that’s exactly what will keep you coming back for more.

I hope you find the encouragement and inspiration I did from Annette’s story.

What I learned from Walking 1.5 Million Steps

Alexa: Annette, thank you so much for sharing your story. Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to join the Summer Walking Club?

Annette: I saw the Club posted on Facebook and knew Alexa. I had worked with her before and knew her advice was practical, realistic, and something I could actually apply. Walking wasn’t the issue; I had always loved walking because it cleared my mind, but I never made it a consistent part of my life. I felt like this was the perfect opportunity to start showing up for myself in a way that was doable.

Alexa: How did you feel about your health or daily routine before the challenge?

Annette: Honestly? I didn’t feel good about myself physically, mentally, or emotionally. My life recently had been full of changes, and I didn’t feel capable of handling everything life was throwing at me. My days were so busy, with very little free time. Walking had always been a love of mine, but I didn’t have a rhythm for it. It was more of a hobby than a habit.

Alexa: Had you ever tracked your steps before?

Annette: I had wanted a step tracker for years, but thought they were too expensive. My kids bought me a Fitbit for my birthday, and I’ve worn it ever since. That little device became more than just numbers. It became motivation, a companion, and a way to see progress I hadn’t noticed before.

Alexa: Did you set specific goals, or did you focus more on consistency?

Annette: Both, really. I set a goal of 2,000 steps above the typical 10,000. But consistency became the real key. The more consistent I was, the more I wanted to keep going. I started craving my walks. Sometimes I even walked twice a day, simply because I loved that time for myself. The mindset shift was realizing I didn’t have to do it like anyone else. This was huge! Once I changed how I thought, everything else followed.

“The mindset shift was realizing I didn’t have to do it like anyone else.”

Alexa: Some days must have been really tough. How did you push through?

Annette: Oh, absolutely. The hot, humid days were brutal. The bugs could be relentless. But I reminded myself that this wasn’t just about exercise, it was about a lifestyle change. And when I finished, soaked in sweat, I felt proud. Accomplished. That feeling kept me coming back, even on the hard days.

Alexa: Were there any “aha” moments that changed how you viewed walking?

Annette: Definitely. The biggest was realizing my journey didn’t have to look like anyone else’s. I didn’t need to compare myself or follow a rigid plan that might not fit me. Once I embraced that, my attitude toward myself, my faith, and my life began to shift. Slowly, my body began to change too. But more importantly, I started loving myself again, maybe for the first time in years. 

Alexa: How did you fit walking into your busy days or bad weather?

Annette: I made mornings sacred. I walked first thing, no matter what. On rainy days, I embraced it, thinking of it as God’s blessings falling on me. Sometimes I waited for the rain to clear and walked as long as I could. On days I was short on time, I walked in place during commercials. The key was showing up, no matter what.

“The key was showing up, no matter what.”

Alexa: You walked over 1.5 million steps in 90 days—that’s incredible. What was that moment like for you?

Annette: Honestly, I was shocked. I had no idea I was capable of that. Doing it at 56, through rain, heat, early mornings, and mostly solo, made me feel so proud. I even took a screenshot to remind myself on tough days what I could accomplish. It pulled me out of a really insecure place and gave me confidence I hadn’t felt in years.

Alexa: What kind of physical and emotional changes did you notice along the way?

Annette: Physically, I lost 40 pounds and dropped two clothing sizes. I remember trying on a new pair of jeans that I expected to be too small. But they fit. And then I tried on a second pair, same size. I wanted to cry! Not just because of the size, but because I felt like I looked good in something for the first time in years.

Emotionally, I feel so much more grounded. I’m happier. My relationships, especially with my husband, improved because I wasn’t carrying insecurity everywhere. Spiritually, walking became part of a journey, too. I realized God had given me all these tools, and I was finally using them. My mind, body, and spirit all felt aligned for the first time in a long time.

Alexa: Did the walking influence other areas of your life?

Annette: Absolutely. Walking helped with stress in a huge way. Every walk felt like a reset button for my mind. I started eating better, craving smoothies after my walks, and focusing on nourishing foods that made me feel good. It became a ripple effect in my habits, my mood, and my energy. Literally everything improved just by showing up for myself.

“Literally everything improved just by showing up for myself.”

Alexa: What would you say to someone who thinks, “I’m not a walker” or “I could never do that”?

Annette: You absolutely can! Anyone can do anything if you set your mind to it. Take it one step at a time. Set a goal you can reach and grow from there. It’s about consistency, not perfection. You don’t need to walk 1.5 million steps. You just need to start moving and show up for yourself. Who knows, you might surprise yourself.

Alexa: What did you learn about consistency and progress from logging your steps?

Annette: Logging made it real. Seeing my progress encouraged me to do more. It helped make walking part of my routine. And the consistency didn’t just affect me. It inspired others, too. People noticed, and that response was motivating in itself.

Alexa: How has walking become part of your life now that the challenge is over?

Annette: It’s now a daily habit. I take time for myself because it truly makes me better than I was the day before. It’s not just physical, it’s emotional, spiritual, and mental. Walking has become my sanctuary, my reset, my way to show up for myself every day.

Alexa: Annette, thank you for sharing your story. I know it will inspire so many people.

Annette: Thank you for letting me share it. I hope it encourages anyone reading to take that first step. Whatever that looks like for them. Show up for yourself. One step at a time, and things can change in ways you never imagined.

How To Show Up For You!

I know, 1.5 million steps might sound completely out of reach. But that’s not the point. The point isn’t the number of steps, the miles, or the hours. It’s showing up. It’s taking that first step, even when it feels small, even when you’re unsure, and trusting that each step matters. 

Along the way, you might just surprise yourself. You might discover strength, resilience, or joy you didn’t know you had.

The truth is, humans are capable of far more than we give ourselves credit for. And yes, that includes you. You are capable of more than you’ve told yourself is possible. The excuses, the “I don’t have time,” or “I’m too busy,” don’t have as much power as we give them. Even a few minutes a day to move, breathe, and show up for yourself can ripple into every part of your life, including your energy, your confidence, your mindset, and even your relationships.

And here’s the thing, transformation doesn’t have to be dramatic or perfect. It doesn’t require grand gestures or complicated plans. It’s the consistent little choices: choosing to move, choosing to prioritize yourself, choosing to love and honor your body and mind in the small, daily ways. That’s where the real magic happens.

Join The Next Walking Club!

You don’t have to do 1.5 million steps to see change. You just have to show up. And when you do, you’ll be amazed at how much stronger, more capable, and more alive you feel. Your journey may surprise you, transform you, and remind you just how powerful you truly are. 

All it takes is one step to start.

We host walking clubs all throughout the year. Click here to join the next walking club and start taking steps.