Rule followers and hard core ‘dogs should be on-leash believers’ should stop reading NOW!
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My dog Nickel and I walk together every single day. Rain, shine, minor crisis - you name it, we’re out there.

And she’s off-leash. In an on-leash area. (I know, I know. A rebel. A menace to society. Lock me up.)

Before you start clutching your pearls - Nickel is the most polite walker you’ve ever met. (most days)

She stays by my side like poop sh*t on a stick but does chase the occasional squirrel. (they taunt her, seriously)

If I do see another person on our walks, I clip her leash on like the responsible, law-abiding citizen I pretend to be.

Tuesday, though? Our walk got a little spicier than usual.

I was distracted. (Like “trying to load a podcast about eyebrows” distracted. Yes, eyebrows. Don’t judge.)

I saw a City truck by the trail entrance when I pulled into the parking lot but didn’t think twice. Nickel bounded out of the car and we headed off into the woods.

Then I heard it.

“Excuse me, ma'am!”

Uh oh. (he lost me at ma'am)

Cue the slow-motion turn.

There he was: Mr. Bylaw Officer in a very old, beaten and slightly too-snug uniform, looking like he was handed the keys to the leash law kingdom 70 years ago.

I’ll call him Uniform Guy #1.

He hits me with:

“Is there any particular reason your dog isn’t on a leash?”

And just as I’m considering a charming little lie like “Oh gosh, did she slip out of her leash again?!”, his backup arrives.

I'll call him Uniform Guy #2.

Uniform Guy #2, slightly less worn than Uniform Guy #1, climbs out of the truck and struts over like we’re filming a VERY low-budget animal bylaw enforcement show.

Now, here’s where my mouth does what it does best: says the first thing that comes to mind.

“Other than being distracted with trying to get this podcast working and the fact that my dog is better behaved off leash than 99% of the dogs on leash? Nope.”

Reader, I did not win any points with that answer.

Uniform Guy #1 leans in, voice going full dramatic:

“It’s a law to have your dog on leash as soon as you get out of your car.”

Meanwhile, Nickel’s over in the bushes doing her business like, “Are you publicly shaming my human? Watch this Uniform Guys.

She trots over, sits politely in front of Uniform Guy #1 like a Disney dog receiving a freaking Grammy. (that move also did not win any points but at least I had a poo bag with me)

“I could give you a ticket,” he says.

“Yay, no. I’m good,” I say. And off we walk, podcast finally playing. Nickel on leash.

We start in the trail and the first person we see has 2 BIG dogs who are both off leash. (Of course! These are my people.)

He clips his dogs on leash and as we get closer, Nickel gets spooked. (the dogs are big but she’s also an epic scaredy 'cat')

She digs in her paws and pulls back…straight out of her collar.

I’m left standing there with a leash attached to an empty collar and a dog hiding behind me, who's ready to bolt.

I’m desperately sending urgent ‘please don’t bolt back to the Uniforms’ messages to Nickel while getting her collar back on.

I’m certain, Nickel high-tailing it back out to the start of the trail with no leash AND no collar, would get us both a ticket from Uniform Guy #1. (I sensed that he did not like me and wasn't impressed with Disney dog's performance)

Now why am I telling you this story?

Other than my obsessive need to take my most mundane life happenings and turn them into relatable messages.

Because this is exactly how most of us approach our health!

We think we’re supposed to follow these hard rules. All the time. Perfectly. (No pain. No gain. Or so 'they' say)

“Eat this.”

“Don’t eat that.”

“Spin class at 6am or bust. Never miss a Monday."

“No wine, no sugar, no fun, no personality.”

🚨 NEWSFLASH: Most of those rules? Don’t fit your life.

And if they don’t fit, they don’t stick.

You don’t need a leash on your life to get results.

You need a framework that gives you freedom.

You need habits that work with your schedule, not against it.

You need wellness that respects your reality — not just your willpower.

Real-life, sustainable wellness that works even if you’re a rule-bender (ok - breaker).

Are you tired of trying to follow rigid rules that leave you feeling guilty (and a little dead inside)?

If so, take this as permission to take the leash off and breathe a bit.

You’ll still get where you’re going. I'm living proof that a framework that gives you freedom not only exists, but works!

And part of that framework? The thing I've mentioned in passing over the last few months?

It's my 30-day walking program I like to call Stride Series.

Yep, I recorded the entire program (plus 5 epic bonus walks) with Nickel trotting off-leash beside me.

We’re putting the final touches on it and making sure all things tech are working for our Black Friday launch in a few weeks.

Want to get a sneak peak of what's to come? Click this link to get instant access to the Day 1 walking workout.

Stay tuned for the program launch and special discount for my #weirdandwitty Insiders (YOU)!

Now tell me - what’s one health/wellness/nutrition rule you follow but would love to take off leash and stop following? I read every response and can't wait to hear your rule.

Your favourite off-leash rule breaker,

– Nat

P.S. when I got back to the car after our walk, Uniform Guys were sitting in their truck…parked directly behind me. I'm sure they were waiting for me. I wanted to wave but opted for no eye contact instead. Probably the better choice. Nickel was on leash, phew!