An Elevator, a Pair of HOKAs, and a Message That Could Save Your Life
The only way this will make sense is if you read on...
Happy Thursday!
No, the title isn’t referring to a new brain game from the NYT, although in this case, an elevator, a pair of HOKAs, and a potentially life-saving message do indeed go together.
Here’s the story.
Last fall, I went to Alabama to play courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and stayed in some really cool hotels. (Shoutout to the Alabama Tourism Department and watch for an upcoming article on the trip.)
At any rate, while at The Alamite in Tuscaloosa, I hit the gym early one morning. As I was heading back to my room, there was a guy also waiting for the elevator. I thought he looked like a runner and used “Are you a runner?” as the intro to our conversation. (Runners have a way of recognizing each other in public, similar to Harley riders, golfers, or yogis. You tend to recognize your people.)
Well, I noticed the guy was wearing HOKAs, and since I’ve been considering trying them out, I cut right to the chase and asked about them.
He informed me that he was indeed a runner and had recently switched to HOKAs after his adult daughter persistently suggested he try them. The verdict? He loved them and “would never go back,” as HOKAs were the best shoe he’d ever run or walked in.
We could stop there, and you’d think this was just a nice little HOKA ad. (Not even close, though if the HOKA suits are reading this, let’s chat.)
The real magic happened after I thanked the man and turned to leave, thinking our conversation was over.
He stopped me and said,
“Wait, I’ve got one more thing to tell you. I tell this to everyone I meet…”
My runner friend then shared that at the start of the pandemic, he had a pretty rough case of COVID that put him out of commission for a while. After he’d recovered enough to be back at work, he was still suffering from Long COVID effects. One of those side effects proved to be almost disastrous. While out of town at a conference, he got dizzy, fell forward, and hit his head.
The result was a serious head injury and a grim prognosis. Thankfully, he ended up at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA, because my runner friend is absolutely convinced this hospital saved his life. He told me:
I tell everyone I meet that if they ever know of someone with a brain injury… they should contact the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. They saved my life. They are amazing.
And his message happened to inspire What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week:
Our experiences aren’t just significant to us individually. They hold the power to help someone else.
Whether we’ve got potentially life saving tips like my runner friend, or we’re simply sharing our strategies for health, wealth, or happiness…
We can influence others positively
anywhere we go,
and at any time.
We’re all walking around with messages that might be game changers for others.
The moral of this story?
Well, for one, buy yourself a pair of HOKAs. 👟
But more important - next time you feel like you should share a story or say something to someone… say it.
That message could just save their life.
And with that, let’s get to the weekly recommendations.
PODCASTS
It’s always nice to be reminded to focus on the things that matter in life. The Habits on Purpose Podcast tells us how to “Reconnect with what matters most.”
What’s on your bucket list? Whatever it may be, talk about it, and often. Not only will that inspire you to do some of those things, but it’s also inspirational to those you tell. Here’s a podcast all about bucket lists.
TRAVEL
One of my favorite podcasts, Extra Pack of Peanuts, always has an end-of-year series where they share their best travel experiences, meals, drinks, and desserts. So many great tips!
Kind of insider info… while perusing the social media site Trav Media (for travel writers), I discovered some interesting 2024 travel trends, what’s next in cruising, and where to go in Texas this year.
Speaking of Texas, I wrote a piece for Texas Lifestyle Magazine about my favorite city, Madrid.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Perhaps you’re doing Dry January or simply looking for a beverage with health benefits. Either way, I’ve got three letters for you: ZYN as in Drink ZYN. And no, it’s not a red variety; it’s a wellness beverage made with the powerhouse ingredient Curcumin from Turmeric. What’s Curcumin? Curcumin is an important bio-active ingredient in Turmeric that’s known for its anti-inflammation, immunity, and overall health benefits. I love the options, too- the ZYN electrolyte mix is perfectly sized to throw in your purse or workout bag, and the wellness drink comes in a slender, cheerful can. It’s like drinking a work of art.
ZYN is available in select stores, or order online and use the code ABBEYA for 15% off your order. (Disclaimer - I receive a small commission from each sale.)
TELL YOUR STORY
Working with the theme of sharing our experiences and knowledge with others, here are some tips to help you do just that:
A lot of people have told me over the years that they want to write a book but don’t know where to start. I get it… it’s a daunting task (one which I’m working on myself), but the first thing I always say is, JUST START WRITING. For ideas, read this to tell your story, or how about starting a blog? Learn how to set one up and monetize it, too.
And, hey… what about a newsletter? If you start a Substack (like mine), I’ll be happy to help you get started. Otherwise, here are a few other newsletter platforms.
While you’re writing (or working), it’s sometimes hard to concentrate. I rotate between writing music, creative work music, ADHD Music for Concentration, and (my favorite) tropical beach music.
ON A SERIOUS NOTE
I really appreciated the runner who made it a point to tell me how the Shepherd Center in Atlanta is THE place to go if you know someone with a brain injury. It was told with such genuine gratitude and desire to “pay it forward” that it reminded me how impactful our words can be.
With that, since it’s blistery cold in most places right now, I’m sharing 5 random winter safety tips I heard from my parents every time I left the house in winter. My dad always reminded me, “The automobile can be your worst enemy, so pay attention and be safe.”
Always travel with a full tank of gas. You never know when you’ll get caught in traffic, in a ditch, or be far from a gas station on a cold day.
Dress for the weather and have extra clothes and blankets in your car.
Adding on… also make sure you have flares, a flashlight, some candy bars, water, and a shovel.
Be sure your windshield wiper fluid is full. And don’t forget your window scraper. (My addition: charge your phone whenever you have the chance.)
Slow down, pay attention, and keep your head on a swivel.
Photo by Josh Frenette on Unsplash
See you Saturday,
Abbey