A Man, His Cart, & a Long Walk

I came across a website about a man named Matt Green who’s walking across America, “doing it all for its own sake.” He’s left New York and is heading to Oregon simply because he enjoys walking. He even quit his job as a civil engineer (something I fantasize about daily) to make the 9 month journey. I’ve been reading his daily posts at imjustwalkin.com and each day, I’m blown away not only by the journey that Matt’s taking but by the genuine kindness displayed towards him by strangers that allow him to sleep on their property, shower in their homes or even share meals with their families.



With each daily read, an overwhelming sensation of inspiration floods my mind. I want to smile more about folks I don’t know. Offer my assistance to friends and acquaintances in need. More importantly, I’ve really been more encouraged to make changes in my life that will open up more opportunities for me to do the things that I’ve been putting off. I’ve got this list of things, my personal “Bucket List”, a list of things I’d like to see happen, attributes I’d like to gain, things I’d like to get and do, and changes I’d like to occur. This list changes from time to time, leaving room for the unexpected and the unintended. This is my own personal attempt to tap into my dreams, wishes, fears and desires and as I accomplish or master each aspiration, I strike it out. My Bucket list reads as follows:

Actively Listen to Those That I Care About


Allow Events to Happen Naturally


Be Myself


Become a Teacher


Buy a Home


Detach w/Love


Enjoy Being Alone


Find a Church Home


Get Married


Go Back to School Summer 2009


Have Sex in the Rain


I will not look for happiness outside myself


I will push myself through fearful situations, telling myself I can make it


Journal daily


Keep My Cool w/tough Customers


Learn to Use a Sewing Machine


Let go of meaningless, emotionally absent relationships


Let Other People be Who They are


Let the Past Be Just That…The Past


Lose 20 lbs and keep it off


Make decisions and choices that enhance my self-esteem


Move Closer to Work


Pass INS 22


Play the Lotto


Quit Being the Victim


Read a book off “The List”


Rebuild My Self-Worth


Rekindle relationships that are worth it


Remove “Should” from my vocabulary


Save Some $$$: 6 mos worth of expenses


Smile More


Start a Family


Stop Picking on Myself for Picking on Myself


Stop procrastination at its onset


Stop Reacting and Think


Strive for balanced expectations of others.


Strive for healthy tolerance.


Take a Trip Somewhere I’ve Never Been (NYC, Savannah GA, Vegas, CA)


Value myself


Will Not Let Others Hurt Me


Will not tolerate abuse to keep people loving me


Will Not try to Trust Untrustworthy People


Worry About Nothing; Pray About Everything