“It’s never too late to prepare yourself to be the best you.”

Veronica Waller is one of our Norfolk-Virginia Beach GirlTrek team leaders. She joined GirlTrek in 2012 and began to cherish walking outside. As the weather warms up, we wanted to share with you Veronica’s words about how uplifting to the spirit getting outside for a walk in the sunshine can be. 

I am Victorious Veronica, daughter of Marie, daughter of Sarah, daughter of Ellen, daughter of Martha. 

I am a mother of 2 daughters, 1 son, 2 sons-in-law, and 1 daughter-in-law; a grandmother of 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson.

I am a prayer intercessor, a retired school counselor (14 years), and former teacher (26 years).

I am a 19-year breast cancer survivor.

I am a GirlTrek team leader, a GirlTrek Gardener, and, because of GirlTrek, I am in love with the outdoors.

In 2018, GirlTrek had a challenge to walk 100 miles between March 10 (Harriet Tubman Day) and Mother’s Day. Tackling this challenge got me in the habit of daily walking outside, where I discovered trails in my neighborhood and explored trails in our local area with my GirlTrek sistas. I went to Stress Protest and being with my sistas in the mountains left me on a natural high for months.

Now, outdoor walks bring me so much peace and joy. 

The formations in the sky. 
Leaves tumbling on a windy day. 
Babbling brooks, serene lakes and calming oceans. 
The cleansing feeling of walking during rainfall. 
The sounds of birds chirping and my footsteps as I walk towards my best life.  

Sun rays.
Crisp air on a cold day. 
Pops of yellow.
Love messages on signs. 
Birds flying in formation. 
Squirrels scurrying and chomping on acorns.
Daddies watching over their children as they play. 

Outdoors is relaxing. It’s amazing. It’s therapeutic. During these times, I feel so in tune with God. 

I love the concept that you do GirlTrek in a way that brings you joy as an individual, yet there’s a togetherness. I want all Black women to know it's never too late to prepare yourself to be the best you.