Book Three - The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

I have spent weeks procrastinating writing this blog. And after all this time, all I have to say is . . . READ IT. Seriously read it. I am certain what I walked away with will not be what you may take but it is so very rich nonetheless. Trust me: just read.

Book Two - The Last Lecture

If there is one thing I have adopted from this book, it is this . . . . . ."if there is an elephant in the room, introduce it." Embrace it. And let the "peanuts" fall where they may.
It is in these moments, when we avoid or disguise that proverbial elephant that we deter others from the relief of expression or we ourselves build a wall. For whatever reason, it is my mission to create an aura about myself that allows others to express freely and in turn let down my guard to reveal MYSELF to others. Lesson number two - its never to late to live out your dreams. Not to say that those dreams do not evolve and alter over time, but its never too late. Dream big because it inspires others to do so. Randy Pausch inspired me for sure. He caused me to assess what is important in my life and what it is that I want from life. He challenges his readers to be ever learning. And when we face a "brick wall" it is not a dead end. "They are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something." Lesson number three - people are far more important than things. "Go out and do for others what somebody did for you." Enable the dreams of others because whether you admit it or not someone somewhere somehow enabled yours. And, "When we're connected to others, we become better people."

In the end, what is it that we want to experience in this life and what have we taken from those experiences that we want to leave behind for others? (you probably thought I was about to list those here for you . . . not a chance. :)

Book One - Born to Run

Ok so, I am not certain I can be classified as one "Born to Run" but dang it if I will not die trying. See for some individuals things like this come easy and like life that's just the way it is. Not the case with me, but as the book speaks of the joy and internal pleasure that comes from running . . . . . now that I can identify with. I have been told over and over that "its not the runs we go on that we regret, but the ones we don't." Undoubted truth in this. Call me crazy but there is untapped peace and strength in the madness. The book states, “Beyond the very extreme of fatigue and distress, we may find amounts of ease and power we never dreamed ourselves to own; sources of strength never taxed at all because we never push through the obstruction.” We've been ingrained to think that if a struggle arises then select a different path. Which in turn causes us to be soft and weak not just in sports but in life. I also took from the read, that too much support corrupts. Granted in the text it was speaking of sneakers but the subliminal message was clear. Just as the support of a running shoe causes our feet to weaken and alter its natural state so does too much support in life. Take it as you will, but its true none the less. For those bothered by this statement, put some big boy panties on; life is what YOU make it not what someone makes for you. Now, please remember that these are just a few things I took from the book. "Born to Run" contains timeless advice, mind-blowing feats, unique cultures and subcultures, friendships to envy, and races to inspire the least of runners. Pick it up; you won't put it down.

Details

I am setting out on an "adventure". No, my sneakers are not laced tight and I don't have water in hand. This is a different sort of adventure; something for the mind and soul. It involves 52 books in fifty-two weeks. Each book selected by a source other than myself, so that as fate would have it I can take from each read exactly what I was meant to gain. I hope to not bore you with the mundane details of self discovery, but rather share with you the wisdom each author had for us to snag. This is in fact a new experience for me, but its time to STEP OUT. Its going to be excellent for all involved. Hope you enjoy the journey.