Day four of our fabulous ride along the Mississippi River. So far we've had some great days of cycling.
Day 1: 68 miles
Day 2: 58 miles
Day 3: 69 miles
Day 4: 94.49 miles (yes, I'm including the .49 there as well...)
We started off at the best (only) coffee shop in town: Natchez Coffee Company. Not only a full "southern-style" breakfast (grits DO go with everything), I got a soy latte that was wonderful. (First real coffee drink since last Saturday, when I was in New York City).
We all knew it was going to be a longer day today; that meant a little earlier start. So, we were at the breakfast house as they opened, by 7am. (Ok, maybe a little bit after, but I wanted to roll by the Natchez Technology Incubator one more time, just to see if anyone was in that early!) I'm still super impressed that there IS an incubator here, and hope they achieve some major success in the short AND long term.
I didn't say anything about this yesterday, but there IS someone I'd like to meet in Natchez. When I checked in to the hotel, I saw a periodical called, "Natchez: The Magazine" (the Spring, 2012 edition). The last page of the magazine is a column called, "Why I love Natchez." There, in an interview-type article, Ms. Alice Morrison talks about finding her calling to work in education. She references one of the more important books in my own journey of getting from "there to here," and I'd like to offer Ms. Morrison a signed copy of my book. (I think after reading "Good to Great," that she'll get a few more ideas from Your Best Just Got Better that she can use right away.)
This part of the ride has been my favorite so far. With over 30 miles (today) along this one roadway, we got an opportunity to ride without having to watch for traffic the entire time. (This is one thing about this ride - so far - that's been a challenge for me: A LOT of traffic...) I decided I'd ride by myself for a while; amazing things happen when I spend 75 minutes alone, on my bike, with a goal to keep going at +18 Miles Per Hour.
I got to think about the better series (www.facebook.com/YourBestJustGotBetter) and how that may morph and change in the near future. I also let myself go down the thinking stream with this thought-prompt: "What if there were a #Better scholarship program?" I love the idea of having people apply for a scholarship (or, is it a grant...or, perhaps even a loan) to go out, and make SOMEthing better?" I had a LONG time to spin the thinking around. I like it, and am going to see what shows up tomorrow.
What was more impressive to me than the fact that the road had been "carved" into the ground was this tree - and many more like it. I found myself staring in awe - and making connections all over the place - at the root system that was semi-apparent. (I say "semi" 'cause I only got to see the side that had been eroded away by human and ecological forces.)
The thinking continued: "The roots will seek out new pathways; never straight, and changing direction seemingly 'on a whim.' The tree is being supported by a dynamic, chaotic and intent system. A system with but one goal in mind: Allow the tree to grow taller; get more sun on the leaves for food." Now I have to wonder about my own roots. The structure and support that I've put in to place to "feed" the program/system that I'm stepping in to.
I can only imagine what you're thinking, "You're crazy, Jason." But, don't think that way. Change it up. Here's my prompt, what, if you had "all the time in the world" would YOU like to do for a few days at a time. And, don't be like some people I know and "want to be a martyr." (Taking care of someone's kids; cleaning the house; taking the trip 'cause you HAVE to, but don't really want to....)
I mean really, REALLY, getting away to be with you. If you could hear yourself think, if you could imagine things for longer than short bursts between meetings, what would you think of? What would show up? Who could you help?
Now, what can you do about that THIS YEAR?
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