Welcome,

I'm fortunate that Half Baked is read by people round the world. That said, Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate it!

Happy day to everyone!

Enjoy this issue,

Jan
jans@bizsmart.net
 

Mind Map: Thanks & Giving

Uses: To contemplate both thanks and giving.

Background:  I wanted to include a map this issue, and this is simply what is on my mind today!

How to: Click the link below to open up the map.

More comments: Email me here if you want a copy of this in file format. (MindManager X5 or Adobe PDF) Please specify what version you would like (or both).

This map (and the table of contents) was created using MindManager® X5 PRO software.
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Feature Article:  A Thick Stack

I've been touched lately with struggles and challenges of some dear friends and clients - both physical and emotional.

One of the most physical and emotional challenges I've ever faced was following a car accident in my college days. A few years ago, I wrote about it in Side Effects. (email me for more info on Side Effects)

A portion of the lesson follows.

***

...As a college student, I was in a serious car accident. I sustained injuries and had some extensive nerve damage to my left leg. I had ended my swimming career a short time earlier and was competing in small triathlons.

Prior to the accident, I was running 3-5 miles, with my longest distance less than 6 miles. After this accident, doctors told me "I wouldn't run again".

All three of these ideas reminded me the truth about myself. These ideas propelled me to think differently, act differently, and live my own personal truth.

After my car accident, I did rehabilitate my leg. I did run again (and far beyond my previous distances to complete a few marathons). I did compete in triathlons again.

You are so much more than any challenge that will come your way!

***

This experience and the optimism I feel as a result of it has been on my mind, as I've working on this issue of half baked.

At the same time, I've found myself reaching for memories of running accomplishments. Even today, as I was supposed to be on my way to my office to write, I literally found myself searching through my running files.

I wanted to quantify the number of half marathons I've completed. Who knows why (I wasn't connecting the dots at the time, I simply gave into my a whim.) I've long thought I've completed over a dozen, but never officially counted them.

You see, I've held onto each and every road race number that I've ever completed, from 5k to marathon. They actually take up little space. ;-)

Sometimes I leave the pins in place (to somehow freeze the moment in time). And I often write my time and pace on the back of the race number.

I was amazed at how thick the stack of numbers has become! As I held numbers in my hands, I was able to remember feelings associated with certain races.

The feel and smell of the air that day. The people. The energy. Running fast. Finishing. Being challenged. Being happy.

In the days and months following my car accident, all the strength and optimism I could muster was committed to the idea of running again. A thick stack of road race numbers wasn't my focus. Even so, I DID know that I would run again.

Today, I didn't find the official number of half marathons I've completed, I found much more.

In two days, I'll participate in another half marathon. When I line up at the starting line on Thursday morning, I will remember that my journey to the starting line is a personal testament of perseverance, hope, passion, and truth. The hell with how fast I run!

I'm filled with appreciation for the people in my life that have shared in and supported me in my athletic journey. The lessons learned fill my life with joy.

I'm also filled with hope. While I wish no challenge or adversity on anyone, I know much good is possible in any situation.

Challenges remind you of who you truly are.




p.s. I enjoy your emails.

 --Spencer Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3-M "Post-It" Notepads.

The content of  Half-Baked may be forwarded in full without special permission provided it is used for nonprofit purposes and full attribution and copyright notice are given. Our mailing address is: BizSmart LLC
659 Auburn Ave, NE, Suite G-21, Atlanta, GA  30312 For other purposes, contact jans@bizsmart.net.