#506: I Didn’t See That Coming

“Go the Extra Mile.”

If you’ve read, heard or know me…you know the extra-mile message is my thing.

I wrote Extra Mile America: Stories of Inspiration, Possibility and Purpose.

I created a non-profit called Extra Mile America.

This newsletter is called Extra Mile Thursday.

There’s the Extra Mile Pledge and Extra Mile World.

The Extra Mile Minute highlights podcast blurbs.

I playfully named my (extra) cute Chihuahua…”EMi” (Extra Mile).

And…

There’s Extra Mile Day.

On November 1st for the last THIRTEEN years, cities across America have recognized the inspiring volunteers and organizations in their communities who unselfishly “go the extra mile” to make life kinder for the rest of us.

I remember the first year as if it were yesterday.

In my head initially…

Extra Mile Day was not intended to go past ONE year. In fact in 2009, I was sincerely freaked out that not even one mayor would join my eccentric mission.

But thankfully, 23 mayors caught the vision.

And when THAT happened…when 23 cities said “Amen!”…hope was watered.

In 2010, I HAD to continue.
And then again in 2011.
And then again and again and again… every year since.

This year on November 1…
500 cities will be “Extra Mile Day” cities.

But one significant number hides in the shadows that’s even cooler than 500.

Extra Mile Day has shined an “I see you!” light on thousands of inspiring people across America.

In 2009, I didn’t see that coming.
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The moment we move beyond the paralyzing FEAR of looking stupid or failing…we give REALITY an opportunity to show us that it has a far bigger imagination than even our own wishful DREAMS.

Extra Mile Day is total proof of that.

“Go the extra mile.”

They’re four words that have changed my destiny.
It’s a message that has the power to change yours…too.