Last year, on my way to the hospital with chest pain, the catalyst that got this walk idea moving in my head, was a traumatic event. I thought, this is it.... Game over.... Hind sight is great, Praise the Lord it was not the Heart Attack I thought it was, But it could have been. Today's news of three teens walking along side of the road only to be hit from behind and killed by some driver (I think Alcohol was involved) Is a stark reminder of just how short (even to an "unfair" level) life can be. it was also a bit of a reality check after having walked for 12 days along Ontario's roads, We did have 3 close calls along the walk of drivers passing and coming painfully close to us.
I guess the lesson really is, make the most of every day, every choice and every relationship!
Perhaps this is a bit of therapy for me, but if you know the story of the DASH, you know that this was a year long journey of discovery for me to not only prepare physically for the 325 km walk, but a journey of learning a lot about life and myself. I simply want to share that with you, perhaps it resonates with you as well.
Lesson number 1
After the first Gallbladder attack (April 2008), I learned "you are what you eat" my state of being was a clear reflection of the choices I had made and have made for years about my eating. The saying started in the 1800s when a psychologist wrote - tell me what you eat and I will tell you who you are.... Powerful words, equally powerful are the words of the great philosopher, Bob Hartman of the group Petra....in his song, Computer Brains...... put garbage in, get garbage out!
Several weeks have passed since the finish line. Believe it or not the feet are still sore at times, my one ankle (right) gives me problems, but on the walk I was reminded that years earlier I had broken that ankle, so I guess it stands to reason it didn't like a 325k walk.
I received this quote today in my email. Thought I would share it with you....
Every single life only becomes great when the individual sets upon a goal or goals which they really believe in, which they can really commit themselves to, which they can put their whole heart and soul into.
Brian Tracy
WE set a goal and we did it! I still can't believe what was accomplished by the walk! it truly is amazing. but one thing learned is that there is always another goal to set. I have found it very important for my physical life to set a new goal, so that old ways do not come creeping back. So... I got my bike fixed and have started to add that to my gym workouts as well... but apart from that we need to continue to set goals as to how it is we are going to impact our world? I can't wait to see where the future takes us on that!
The day started bright and early, 5:30 am - to the gym, the legs are still sore but I got to keep going, or old habits will start to set in before I know it!
Yes, it is hard to get back into routine, It really is hard to describe the feelings after this walk.
Rudy, Sully; I trust your travels back to Guatemala went well, Thank-you so much for your support, love and encouragment. You are doing an amazing job in your country and it is a pleasure to be a part of these efforts to support you! God Bless your ministry and all those who minister along side you!
This is what my office looked like coming in this morning! Thanks Everyone! This was special! I didn't coun't them but I understood there was one for every KM walked!
This is what it looked like after the door was opened!
And the Finish Line is now on You Tube! (Thanks Bill)
