Jillian Zavitz shares how honoring an intentional commitment to yourself can help alleviate stress and bring clarity.
In 2017, I hit a low point in my life. It felt like everything was happening at once—my career was nonexistent, I had just come out of a serious relationship, and I had moved to a new place. It was one of those pivotal moments where everything feels like it's changing, but you’re not sure what direction you’re headed in. I was feeling overwhelmed. That’s when I decided I needed to do something for myself—something small, something I could commit to, and something that would help me find clarity in all the chaos.
That’s how my sunrise walks began. It started as a simple commitment to myself. The early mornings were calm, peaceful, and it felt like the world was still asleep, leaving just me and my thoughts. It was in those quiet moments that I could process everything going on in my life. As the city slept, I walked through the empty streets, feeling the calmness and clarity that comes with the early morning air. The stillness gave me space to think about what I wanted, what my next steps should be, and how I could move forward.
I’ve been walking at sunrise ever since. There’s something magical about it. The city looks completely different—there are animals you don’t normally see, and the world feels like it’s waking up slowly around you. I even recognize the same faces out there doing the same thing. It’s almost like an exclusive club, one where we’re all seeking the same sense of calm and commitment.
I’ve framed my life around one of my favorite quotes: “The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” For me, each sunrise represents that endlessly changing horizon. Every day is new, and with every sunrise, I get to experience something unique. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I read that quote and remember the feeling I get when I walk at sunrise. It’s grounding. It keeps me going.
I’ve tried to keep the habit of walking throughout the day—maybe during lunch or in the evening—but I’m always pulled in different directions during those times. In the mornings, nothing is happening yet. It’s easy for me to keep that commitment to myself. It’s my time to reset, before the world starts pulling me in.
Why sunrise and not sunset, you ask? I prefer sunrise because it sets the tone for my day. It’s like starting fresh every morning. On days when there’s no visible sunrise—when it’s rainy or snowy—it changes my energy. I don’t feel as productive or as excited about the day. It even affects my mood and mental health. But even on those days, I make sure to find another way to experience the calm. Sometimes, I’ll watch the sky from the office window with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s about keeping that intentional commitment to myself, no matter what.
Those walks have become a ritual that brings me clarity, peace, and a sense of purpose. It’s my reminder that no matter how chaotic life gets, there’s always the next sunrise—a new and different horizon waiting for me.
