WEEK 8

CHALLENGE #8
Change the world (for yourself): Practice meditation.
week 8 challenge
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This has been an exhausting (but good!) week for me, and it gave me reason to get back into my meditation practice. At the beginning of every hour, my watch set to beep as a reminder, I stop whatever I am doing, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths to clear my mind of chatter and routine. Sometimes I will realize that I need to sit down or stretch, or that I am starving and need to eat! 🙂 It takes practice to get really into this stuff, but even small breaks such as this can be very helpful and stress-reducing. (You can even do it while washing the dishes or driving to work, etc!) Read through some of the steps and ideas > here and > here to get an idea of how and why to meditate, and try your own version every day this week! And, if you are really into it, sign up for a free 10-day class > here (I did this a few years ago and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.)
**Post below to pledge you will attempt this challenge!

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
week 8 photo 1
me and Connie

week 8 photo 2
Kim and Bill

week 8 photo 3
Tim

week 8 photo 4
Bill and Gabriel

SCENERY OF THE WEEK
week 8 scenery
Cleveland, and Lake Erie

THOUGHTS

809 miles down means I am 1/4 of the way done!, which is very good news. This week was one of the busiest yet… thinking back to my last update, and all that has happened since, it feels much more like a month has gone by. And in having difficulty selecting just a few photos for above, I realize I have met many, many genuine and kind people this week, a few even very inspiring and just resilient for going greater.

A favorite memory, was running into Gabriel (above). Gabriel is 14 and his class is reading the classic A Walk Across America, written by Peter Jenkins in 1979. Gabriel was currently on his homework assignment “A Walk Across Lakewood,” and was looking for people to interview, when he came across me! We had a nice long chat about our mutual walking experiences, and of course his parents were extremely kind and cool as well. So fun. 🙂

I say goodbye this week to my 200-mile, true companion, the beautiful Lake Erie.

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From just a bit past Cleveland Ohio, thanks as always and see you next week! 🙂

PRESS
Star Beacon (Ohio) – “NJ man walking across America to encourage acts of kindness”
News Herald (Ohio) – “NJ man trekking across America for good stops in Northeast Ohio”
Cleveland.com – “Walking America tour’s youthful message of optimism proves inspiring to an old skeptic”

23 thoughts on “WEEK 8”

  1. Tom, I really look forward to these updates. Your progress is remarkable. Keep on truckin’ brother.

  2. Tom,
    It was so nice meeting you in our Chiropractic office. Remember to do you stretches that the Doc showed you! I’m enjoying reading your post. Safe Travels:)

    1. Thanks Pam!!! Was so great to meet you and the doctor, I should’ve gotten a picture with all 3 of us, maybe on my way back 😉 I still have his list of stretches etc and am about to do them right now. By the way I really did feel loose and good walking the rest of that day!

  3. Hi Tom –

    I stopped my car and got out to talk to you when you were on Lakeshore Boulevard in Willowick Ohio (almost in Euclid). You are an inspiration and I am honored to have met you! I am supporting you! Keep it up…You are making a difference!

    1. Thanks Jeff!, yes I remember you! Thanks for the nice comment, if you want to help try to take on a few of my challenges that interest you 🙂

  4. When I was a child, I spent two summers at my Aunt’s home, that sat facing Lake Erie, in Euclid. Ohio. I loved it there. At night, you can look across the lake & see the boats with lit lanterns– night-fishing on the Canada side,.Love you, Grandma

    1. Yeap just passed through there, and I am sad to finally leave the lake after such a long stretch 🙂

  5. Dear Thomas,

    IT’s good to see you in some of the photos.
    Please listen to your body , sit, stretch, but by all means , dont go starving on us.
    ; / )
    And congratulations 1/4 way done ! Hang in there , We support you dearly and
    keep you close in hour hearts ~
    Safe travels~
    Luv,
    Barbs

  8. Hey Tommy:
    I read some of the helpful hints about meditation. I have been doing some of the breathing exercises and that seems to work very well for me. Be safe young man.
    Much Love being sent your way…

  9. Glad to meet you this morning, you have inspired me to share your experience with my yoga students today to remind them to being open minded and to show the genuine compassion that is the purpose of your journey. Be safe and strong, look out for those jumpy dogs.

    Renee

    1. Haha thanks Renee and Max, so cool to know that the message was passed on through you… just put up a picture of you on my facebook page if you want to check it out 🙂 Thanks.

  10. Hi Tom,

    I guess I’d have to say your Grandmother was looking out for you today. She must have known you needed more Lake Erie time. I hope you enjoy yourself on the beach tonight. Make a fire, relax, and meditate for a while. Then enjoy that foot long Subway sandwich and an ice cold beer. Best of luck to you my friend, and safe journey.

    Garth

    1. GARTH thanks so much. It was perfect meeting you, and your neighbor Kevin and I ended up having a nice chat, and I had 2 of your beers next to the fire I made while I relaxed. Fantastic night. Check out my new blog post I just put up, you are in it 🙂 🙂

      1. Tom,

        I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and drank the Coors lite. It did get a little cold that night, so I hope you were warm enough. I’ll keep an eye on your progress. Again, safe journey.

        Best regards, Garth

  12. Hey Tom, what a surprise to see Bill and I picture on your site…made me smile what a difference a stranger can make in your life just by walking past our home in Geneva Ohio…with Lake Erie in your front yard we so enjoyed your visit, and as i told you i always cook for an army..and the leftovers go to our friends in the neighborhood…..After your visit i did alot of thinking and i have made more time for my friends…happy travels my new friend….and by the way i hope you meant it when you said that was the best breakfast bagel sandwich you have ever had lol stay safe and talk to you soon Kim

    1. Yes BEST breakfast sandwich ever, I will put that up here publicly for the world to see haha 🙂 🙂 Talk to you soon and thanks, good to know you have made more time for friends 🙂 🙂 Was an honor to meet such great people as you and Bill, how could I not put up your picture 🙂

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