What Happens In Las Vegas...
It’s about the mission and message, not the miles
“What happens in Las Vegas…Changes the World” – author unknown
I was reminded in a gentle and caring way today that the journey we are on (The Journey for Health Tour, J4H) is all about the inspirational and educational message we have to share and even more so, the people we share it with. We are also blessed by the stories and people who influence our thinking and lives as well. The miles are merely a unique way in which to draw attention to the mission itself and move us from point A to point B.
This reminder came to me from a very special person in my life who was listening to me ramble on about the extraordinary experience that the Journey for Health Team had in Las Vegas over the past 36 hours. I was reminded that my comments and stories had nothing to do so with the incredible city of Las Vegas; its lights, sights, sounds and action, or even the extreme weather conditions that the team faced as we raced across California toward this important event city. Rather, the story that caught others interest and attention was all about the people that we impacted and those who honestly have impacted our team.
People such as those that gathered inside the backroom operations of a major gaming company, where we shared our message with casino workers as they changed shifts outside the employee entrance area. Over the total of four shifts we visited personally with hundreds of individuals and small groups, some who came to sample the incredibly health food choices (prepared special for the occasion by casino chefs) that were being offered, and others due to the fact that a small group of odd looking individuals in spandex where outside the employee dining room (EDR) doors peddling a message of health improvement, handing out wristbands, health improvement materials and hugs to all who passed by, in a simple and honest effort to impact a humans life. The BIG moment came for me when an employee who had been in and out of the event several times cornered me and shared with me the following: “OK, so today is the day that I finally commit to living a healthier lifestyle.” She then put on the band I had given her earlier that moment and I could sense that her making this commitment with me, for some strange and unexplainable reason, was what she needed in order to commit herself to one pedal, one step, one day at a time as it relates to her health journey. We sat quietly in the corner as she shared her story of the trials and challenges she has faced in life (both personally and professionally) that had contributed severely to her present condition. It is a story that we have heard far too often, one based more on life events and people who stole her desire to improve, her hope and drive. Somehow today, she was reminded that it is never too late to learn and live life as it was meant for us. She gave me a hug as tears came down both our cheeks as I was not expecting to experience a person make a step toward a life transformation right then, right there. Point to self and others; always be expecting and always be prepared to listen, learn and love.
Next, we had the amazing opportunity to visit the Nevada office of our incredible partner and sponsor, Anthem. We spent two solid hours in fellowship with company associates, telling storied, sharing a healthy lunch, and even exchanging ideas on how to make this journey one that will not have an end, only a horizon line. Again, almost as if it was staged, another person comes to a member of the team, shares deeply and personally of their recent commitment to health transformation and how just days ago they felt that they were alone in the desert, much like the stories of the ride we shared. However, now she excited expressed how re-inspired she felt to persevere, to carry on and to strive forward toward her personal and professional goal in life. Another wonderful and emotional moment for us all.
Honestly, that in itself would be enough for me to share, but I must also add that later that same day, at the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) in Henderson Nevada, we had the honor and privledge to speak with hundreds of children about the value of a healthy mind, body and soul. We caught a glimpse into a day in the life of these amazing young people and were moved by how much they are seeking mentors, leaders, adults, who will come alongside and help them on their personal journey in life. We left with hugs, cheers and what we feel are friends for life as these young people surrounded us with love and laughter for the next stage of the journey. We can feel in our hearts that lives were impacted this fine day. There were also two more events to share more about later, but it is late and I will save those amazing stories for another entry.
As I sit in the hotel room after having ridden another 80+ miles today in extreme heat, wind and climbs, I am reminded of the truth that this journey has so little to do with the miles and so much to do with the message and people we impact. My hope as we drift off tonight, tired and very sore is that the miles will only serve as measurements toward the next location where we might meet that person along the road and in perhaps in some small way, inspire a new journey of health in a person’s life.
Tomorrow is a very long, high and hot day as relates to mileage, escalations and temperatures, but honestly they pale in comparison to the cool and refreshing joy we have tonight in knowing that tomorrow brings yet another day to live the mission and deliver the message of the value and importance of living out a healthy and happy life.
Sweet, healthy, and happy dreams to us all.