#walk2connect Archives - Living Life to the Fullest

Jonathan Stalls talks about his Journey

Jonathon’s “journey” is not typical. It includes a 242-day walk across America in which he learned the beauty of experiencing America at its core, walking and connecting with others.

Jonathon has since created the Walk2Connect Cooperative, which inspires others to walk side-by-side and Instrinsic Paths, an artistic, creative, and innovative series of projects and events.

I was honored to have Jonathon as my latest guest on my Podcast, Carpe Diem Connections, and to hear more of his thoughts on what creates meaning and connection in life.

I’ve especially been enjoying being part of Walk2Connect. Jonathon and the other Walk Leaders are so creative in their approach of really combining two of my favorite things: Walking and Connection!

For example, I’ve been participating in a WALKtober Bingo Challenge for the month of October. Each morning, participants are greeted with a beautifully written email and a challenge for the day.. it might be a mindful meditation that helps us connect with nature, or a suggestion to take a moon-lit walk.

I feel so grateful to have met Jonathon, to learn from him, and to be part of the communities that he leads. His example is an inspiration for all of us to mindfully connect with nature and with one another as we move through life together.

Resources:

Full YouTube interview: https://youtu.be/xWa-9qII4ss
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/carpediemconnections/episodes/Jonathan-Stalls-from-Walk2Connect-and-Intrinsic-Paths-eksnie
TEDx Talk (Life at 3MPH): https://youtu.be/FEAM4xdCDLE
Walk2Connect: https://www.walk2connect.com/
Intrinsic Paths: https://www.intrinsicpaths.com/

If you want to have a “Carpe Diem Mindset,” first you might want to figure out things that bring you happiness and joy. For me, three things I love are walking, sunshine, and playing games – like scavenger hunts!

Now that it’s summer and there’s plenty of sunshine, I’m creating my own “scavenger hunt” by walking the trails in my neighborhood and hunting for things that make me happy… and it turns out there are SO many things I’m finding!

To start this adventure, I found a map of my neighborhood at the Town of Superior’s Website that had all the walking trails marked:

Every day, I’m hitting the trails and taking pictures, looking for things that make me smile.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Painted Rocks with Inspirational Messages

“Mutton Mowers” – Goat Grazing to Mitigate Noxious Weed

What things can you find that make you smile?

I’m grateful to the Town of Superior and all the people who make this area such a wonderful place to live.

I also thank Walk2Connect and Walk With a Doc for all their inspirational and motivational encouragement to keep walking!

Keep up-to-date on ways to promote happiness for yourself and others!

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Carpe Diem Connections

Live a Happy, Productive, and Meaningful Life fostering Deep Connections

Short introduction of Dan Jaworski, who is participating in the Kona Ironman after receiving an early onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Full YouTube video available here: https://youtu.be/BuqwJjPNZzk

Blog post: https://www.carpediemday.com/alzheimers-diagnosis-motivates-dan-jaworski-to-fulfill-his-dream-participate-in-the-kona-ironman/

When Dan Jaworski received a devastating diagnosis and a recommendation from his doctor to move forward on his bucket list, he knew what he needed to do.

“Within hours of my diagnosis, I contacted Sarah Hartmann at The IRONMAN Foundation. I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity to race Kona on October 9, 2021”

The month of June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

You can read more about Dan and his inspirational story here. His attitude of resilience and strength is the same “Carpe Diem spirit” that I saw in my friend Craig Dunham when he was faced with an ALS Diagnosis. It’s the reason I started CarpeDiemDay.com.

Rather than ask for money, Dan asked for 140 names – one for each of the 140.6 miles of the race – of others who are battling Alzheimer’s and related diseases.

His list of 140 names, along with notes and tributes are listed on his site. And despite not asking for money, he has currently raised over $70K in donations for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Gratefully, I don’t currently know anyone personally suffering from Alzheimer’s, but I certainly understand the devastation and fear most people would have in the face of such a diagnosis.

Dan’s optimistic attitude, his drive, tenacity, and resilient spirit will most certainly work in his favor in the coming months, both in his training and in his overall health.

Let’s follow his lead! Whether it’s participating in an Ironman, writing a book, or repairing a relationship, don’t wait. Follow your dreams.

Carpe Diem!