Blog #611: Why Choose the Second One?
“Go the extra mile.”
For those who’ve read, heard or know me…
You know the message is my life thing.
I know…
It’s just four simple words.
But everything I AM grows from them.
______
Like?
I wrote Extra Mile America: Stories of Inspiration, Possibility and Purpose.
I created a non-profit called Extra Mile America.
This newsletter is Extra Mile Thursday.
I playfully named my dog “EMi” (Extra Mile).
There’s the Extra Mile Pledge.
There’s the Extra Mile Minute.
I’ve walked across nine countries as a symbol of “going the extra mile.”
I’ve pedaled a bike across the U.S. for the same reason…twice.
And…
I created Extra Mile Day.
______
For the last fifteen years…
On November 1…
Cities across America recognize local volunteers who unselfishly “go the extra mile” in service and contribution to make life kinder for the rest of us.
On November 1, 2009…
I rejoiced knowing that 23 cities participated in my crazy idea. The initial success inspired my hope…and Extra Mile Day was allowed to grow wings.
On November 1, 2023…
For ten years in a row, 500+ cities have added their names to the now not-so crazy cause. Over 800 different cities have participated in one year or another. This year, 500+ cities will again join the mission.
Take a look at the inspiring list:
Extra Mile Day.
______
Each day, every day…
There are TWO miles we can walk.
The FIRST mile.
The EXTRA mile.
The FIRST mile is the 5,280 feet that life requires us to walk every day – as parents, friends, spouses, partners, employees, bosses, bill payers, pet owners…and in checking off the mundane items on our daily “To Do” list.
The FIRST mile is what life requires of us to survive.
The EXTRA mile is finding the time, energy, and heart to keep walking, doing, and giving past our daily survival commitments. Despite feeling exhaustion, disappointment, and frustration, we still find the “push” in us to walk, do, and give extra for our health, goals, people, and the causes that matter to us.
The EXTRA mile is what life requires of us to thrive.
The FIRST mile.
The EXTRA mile.
What are you walking today?
Your mind, heart and feet will make the choice.
Your smile will reflect the choice you make.
S.
EXTRA Thoughts…
Absolutely…
We only need to “walk” the distance that gets us by, that allows us to survive…that gets us to tomorrow.
BUT why waste life living so little?
✨
1. Miss last week’s blog?
I share the secrets of “How To Avoid Living Two Bad Days in a Row”…taught by a 93-year-old expert in living.
Take a listen: Bad Day Repeat
2. Who am I clapping for this week?
With Extra Mile Day on November 1, I take time to clap for a group of people I clap for…often.
Take a look: #ClapForSomeone.
3. Have you heard The Extra Mile Minute?
It’s only 1:51 long…and it has the purpose of adding a little extra inspiration to your day.
Take a listen: The Magical Box Seats
✨
This week…
May you push yourself to do a little…extra.
May the little extra you push…lift you up.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you for making my day.
With gratitude and an extra-mile spirit…
Share with friends, co-workers and everybody else in the world:
