For more than five decades, I was a City Girl–through-and-through. I resisted my exit from London at first, so strong was the internal urban identity that I’d unconsciously cultivated for so long.

Quitting is wildly underrated. For most of our lives, we’re told that grit, determination, and stick-with-it-ness are the qualities that will bring us success. While this can be true, giving up on something can be the smartest decision you’ll ever make.

From shoring up heart health to gaining valuable headspace, walking offers a host of simple yet effective results.