Passions.

By Travis Peck

     I have a few. In fact, some might say I have a few too many. My wife. My son. Music. TV. Sports. Beer. Passions are those things in life that bring us pure joy. Something you can talk about for hours and never grow tired. Often they are the things we dream about while we do the things required. I don’t know many people with a passion for accounting, but if you are out there, bless you.

     These passions normally manifest themselves at an early age and for that reason they remain with us forever. Sometimes they are seemingly naive dreams of becoming a spaceman or President of the United States. But before you dismiss these as childish fantasy, remember somebody had this dream and made it come true. There are astronauts and despite the low chance of becoming the ruler of the free world, somebody gets/has to do it!  

     Passion combined with drive is a force indeed. Taking something you love and focusing all your efforts to become successful in that particular area can bring great rewards. You always hear the phrase, “shoot for the stars” when referring to an ultimate goal. I feel that sometimes the stars are just the beginning for some. We can’t all be pop stars or world famous astrophysicists but we can excel at those things that bring us joy. In a perfect world we would all get paid for doing the things we love. For now I will settle for having the free time to engage in some of my favorites.

     Take a minute and think about what makes you happy. Is it running? Maybe cooking? Making short films? Gardening?

     One of the greatest things about passion is finding others who share an affinity for yours. Coming together for collaborations can build friendships and grow relationships. Sometimes the shared passion of art or music can create bonds that wouldn’t exist otherwise. People with opposing viewpoints on nearly everything else can find common ground in a nice toe-tapping beat or share in the beauty of a classical painting.  We should never give up on our passions. I feel that those things we most want are the things we are most willing to work harder for or consider them no work at all.

Picasso's - The Dream

     You might not be Picasso or Coltrane, Jordan or King but you can be passionate about many things and learn that sometimes life’s ‘extras’ are what life is really all about. Everyone starts somewhere and there are no limits on dreams. Bring passion into your everyday life and it will show. Hearing somebody talk about the things they love gets me motivated and excited.

     When somebody asks ‘What have you been up to lately?” Don’t say “Just working.” Tell them about the engine you are rebuilding or the new novel you started writing. Remind them and yourself that your passions are still alive and well.

     Some people say I have a knack for writing. It is a passion I have ignored for far too long. Maybe I should take my own advice and do a little bit more of this thing I love!

50% or at least half a smile.

By Travis Peck

     Finding the negatives in life is easy. Turn on the news. Lead stories of death and destruction, power struggles and money troubles. A window open 24 hours a day letting in all the worst the world has to offer. Appealing to those with the most fear while turning devastation into profit.

     There is a rule in the world of radio and television that states that politicians running against one another are allowed equal time on-air. This is meant to help keep the race fair and give both candidates a chance to express their viewpoints.  

     If only we could get equal time for positive and negative news!

     Despite what some might lead you to believe, there is truly good in the world. It is all around us every day and we often take it for granted. It can be in the simplest of gestures.

     Often we are enthralled by tragedies because they are not the norm. Day to day life is full of little wins and losses. Having the right amount of change at the drive-thru or having someone hold a door open for you, wins. Stepping in a puddle up to your ankle or getting pulled over, losses.

     At the end of an average day, a balanced day, we hopefully find ourselves with family and friends. Maybe we kick back with our favorite beverage or jam on the guitar. There are so many good things happening in the world I wish we could see the good in people on our televisions from time to time.

     

     Inspirational stories flood the internet and as an avid crier myself, even the slightest pull on the heartstrings can set off the water works. Works of kindness and people coming together for the greater good are what I try to focus on in my life. I’m what you might call upbeat. One of the keys to staying upbeat is relishing the good in people.

     I’ve lost people that I love. I know pain and struggle. My life is not picture perfect. Life is rarely an easy ride in a chariot of gold. Up and down, back and forth, good and bad. Find that middle ground and maybe lean just ever so slightly in the favor of happiness and positive energy.

     Take joy in the fact that you are here and have this day. Place your faith in the positive and give people 

the benefit of the doubt. If people know they can count on you to brighten their day, maybe next time you’re feeling less than perfect an uplifting word will come from an unexpected place.

     Don’t give up on humanity because television says so. Seek out positive stories and better yet, create your own by reaching out and building up those around you.

     By nature life is complicated but it doesn’t have to be negative.

If I don’t wave while I’m running, don’t be offended.

By Travis Peck

     I’m not ashamed of my body. In fact I have mowed my lawn shirtless numerous times. (Early morning or late night with the perfect lighting and very few spectators.) My build is what some people might call stocky, others might say beefy and yet others Sasquatchian. Over the last ten years I have dabbled in the world of amateur running. Always paying, never paid.

     At first it was a couple 5Ks here and there and then something amazing happened in Dallas, TX, my first ever Warrior Dash. A short 3.2 mile adventure race that takes you over fire, into mud pits and often up and down hills of rock, gravel or grass. It was before they were making millions and I was in just good enough shape to complete the course without serious injury. A few buddies and I made a weekend of the event and had a blast. It wasn’t about times just finishing was accomplishment enough. I have done five Warrior Dashes over the last 8 years and as it turns out the more running you do beforehand the better.  

     My longest (voluntary) sanctioned race was the 10K Tulsa Run just a few years back. I committed to the training schedule and the weekend before the race I logged an eight mile run. It was great weather and my legs and mind were ready. Again, times are somewhat irrelevant. Let’s just put it this way, I wasn’t first and I was far from last. I did get that sense of accomplishment but never felt the “runner’s high” and honestly after the race I don’t think I ran for months. For all the non-runners out there you should be made aware that within the running community they have a division for people of my “size and stature” it is called the Clydesdales. According to race officials this gives “heavier runners a chance to win medals.” Gee thanks. (Insert best Mr. Ed sound here.)

     All of that just to tell you this; if you see me running and I don’t wave please do not be offended. I sometimes run at the lake, sometimes around the high school and on a rare occasion at the college nature trail. I often wear my headphones with loud music and if I am on a straightaway I sometimes even close my eyes. These are not excuses for not waving just some factors that contribute to my antisocial running behavior. Running for me is not fun, it is work. My goal is to complete the task as quickly as possible. Not trying to set world records just ready to be not running.

     So, if you honk your horn as you drive by or you wave and I don’t even look your way, it is nothing personal. Just know that I am trying to survive. Note the drenched shirt, the dripping sweat from the elbows and the labored breathing. These are just a few elements that reveal my fitness level and my less than pro status.

As of yesterday I began training for this year’s Tulsa Run (Oct. 25). 10 weeks of forcing myself out the door. 10 weeks of doing an extra few loads of laundry. 10 weeks of soreness. 10 weeks of eating better. 10 weeks of ignoring each and every one of you wonderful people. (At least for a few minutes a day.)