The Power of Plans

Greetings! Many maxims exist about reaching goals. In some religious traditions in times of crisis people say, “Pray for help, and row away from the rocks.”  A similar notion exists in Islam. Here the comment is, “Trust in Allah, but tie up your camel.” The idea is you can have faith, but make good choices, as camels will certainly wander off when unattended.  In the world of self-help, the concept gets captured in these verbs, “Conceive. Believe. Achieve.” I ascribe to the grand theory noted in each of these and have been clear about that over the years on this site.

After the success of our exhibit in the Hearsay show at The Zuckerman Museum of Fine Art our After Malcom team worked tirelessly to have a temporary exhibit displayed at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. The goal came to fruition in February of this year. Setting goals and working toward them have power.

I have set my mind on other ambitious goals and am making steady progress toward bringing them to the light of day. More to follow on these. In the meantime, please follow the links below for virtual tours of our exhibits.

Zuckerman Museum 2014

https://www.emaze.com/@AORWLFCL/am-hearsay

National Center for Civil and Human Rights 2016

https://www.emaze.com/@AZRFQWRZ/after-malcolm-exhibit-ncchr 

Decide. Commit. Succeed. Run.

Tom

Street with No Road

Greetings! We arrived in California late in the evening and pitched camp with relatives in West Sacramento. When discussing running options for the morning Shannan’s cousin made mention of the “new” road close to their home. As it turned out, the new part was an extension of an existing road (albeit fairly new itself). I took the road yet constructed. Along the way several sections had been cleared for the installation of a sidewalk. These were cordoned off with yellow tape and served perfectly as hurdles. I had fun and felt silly all at once.

 

When complete the road will be an important connection for the relatively new Raley Field and developing properties in the downtown area.  Also, a fair amount of new subdivisions are under construction mixed in with existing farms. As I ran I watched farmers pick, box and load cabbages onto two trucks before the light of day.

 

After meandering for a while the cleared thoroughfare joined existing paved roads in an industrial area. I crossed a bridge and marveled at now defunct barge locks. The “new” road proved most interesting, for sure. I mean how often do I get to run on a named street with no road.

Carve a Path. Run.

Tom

Middle of the Road

Greetings! I recently heard a lecture about making mindful choices. The professor mentioned a practice she uses. She called it making a Victory List. She acknowledged others may not agree on what she called a victory.  She noted that was the point, making a list of what an individual thinks are victories in her/his life, be they grand or miniscule.

 

I jotted the concept down in my notes as I listened. For a number of days I mused over items to include on my Victory List while out running. As I have mentioned previously, I find running to be a great way to think clearly and to reflect. Once I had a mental collection of personal victories I finally got around to compiling the list, which consists of words or phrases. The list contains professional and personal items, and of course it includes The Streak.

 

At present, so many incredible things are happening for me personally and professionally and I am mindful of the journey to where I am today is one filled with champions, heroes and odd twists of fate. I added names next to some of the victories and have since written letters to let those folks know how much they are appreciated in my life. 

Making the Victory List was a grand process. I realized I’ve been fortunate to be involved in many interesting things linked to culture, politics, religion, education and fitness. Some were much grander than others.  As I reflected, I took note that I’m not the King of the Road, but I am in the road. I’ve spent my life trying to make things happen. On the road I’m not passed often and I know sooner or later I'll make it to the finish line. I count the middle of the pack victories as a sight better than not being in the road at all or sitting around watching the action on TV. Sure, there have been some setbacks, but nothing compares to living life rather than life happening to you.

One and all I am deeply grateful for the victories in my life.

  

Get in the Road. Run!  

 

Tom