There are often only a handful of people in our lives who get to see us in all our glory, or non-glory, as it were. So, poetically, when Anne first set out on this Walk, the mics failed to record. Then the voiceover recording failed. In fact, even the video we originally planned to promote this Walk failed too. One of those weeks, I suppose. But with every setback, there was this little voice saying, 'well, at least it's Anne.' Not because she matters less, quite the contrary, but because she's been there for you before and she'll be there again. Plus, who couldn't use an excuse for another stroll with a true friend?
On this re-walk, Anne discusses a new project, something that's been quietly bubbling for some time now. Something that, with the help of a partner who amplifies her strengths, may just transform the market for affordable housing in urban areas. When a private passion serves a public purpose, you discover a calling, and we're so fortunate to have recorded (this time) a snapshot of how it feels right at the start.
So enjoy two friends talking, sometimes over each other, in short hand, for support, for accountability, and to share the excitement in realizing a idea and taking a big, bold leap.
...and get excited because she is about to change some things.
#WalkwithMe #WalkwithLiz #GENed #Parenting #Leadership #LearningDifferences #Inspiring #Architect #Business #ManufacturedHousing #Urban #YesAnd

As kids and families around the country wrap up another school year and prepare to dive headlong into summer, Liz took some time to walk with a few of those kiddos and discuss it all...learning, failures, teaching, friendships...giving us a snapshot into the minds of elementary-aged children at such an important part of their growth and development. Some of it was surprising, some of it was...age appropriate, and some of it was downright profound.
These Walks with children weren't on the list when this project began, but they've quickly become some of the most poignant and meaningful of all. Take the time to ask the questions and listen to the answers, because they have more to say about who they are and what they need than you might think.
#WalkwithMe #WalkwithLiz #GENed #Parenting #Childhood #Leadership #LearningDifferences #Inspiring #Playground #schoolsoutforsummer #wheeling

For nearly a decade now, Tabatha has been interrupting conversations. She does so with grace and respect, and while there are times she waits quietly for patrons to finish a thought, many other times she provides the pause a difficult conversation so desperately needs. Such is her presence. Calming, positive, and full of care.

When she leaves work, sometimes she jumps off the treadmill of life for an adventure to the Finger Lakes or the Gorge or a nondescript cliff face overlooking the world. And sometimes, she sits in the car for a while and takes in the silence. But she doesn't waste time wanting another dollar or another pair of shoes. She's more likely to lose a moment to a passing chipmunk or a patch of mushrooms growing through concrete cracks.

But it's not all mushrooms and chipmunks, or rainbows and pretty views. Stepping off the treadmill also takes strength and courage, as well as a commitment to a highly personal way of living. That's something that doesn't always get talked about for folks living the 'nomad life'. It's not wishy-washy, much as she describes her post-planning trips as 'willy-nilly'. It's a deliberate choice to live the way that works best for her, not by the next step in society's plans.

So hop in the van and take your time. Whatever that means for you. Pause. Give yourself moments to wander. And leave a little bit of room for the white space of life.

Oh, and follow tabandvin_ventures and to find out where they're heading next.

#WalkwithMe #WalkwithLiz #GENed #Parenting #Leadership #LearningDifferences #Inspiring #VanLife #Nomad #WhiteSpace

For someone whose brain switches subjects and bounces topics so quickly...so quickly...Eric Hersey also has long-range, singular focus...at least for specific periods of time. He's a bit of an enigma in that way. He will post once a day for 365 straight days, just for the bit. He will create one-word mantras and stick to them for years. He will answer the promise of a 16-year-old alter-ego named Hostile with a gift no one else you know owns. He believes in the power of consistency, especially in his line of work at Strong Minded.

And then he'll hang a sharp left up an alley and nearly leave you behind.

Given his penchant for productive walking (often the only way he can enjoy a walk is when there is a photo to find or a blog to imagine) it should have been no surprise how seamlessly Eric opened up about things he doesn't regularly talk about. It's a relatively common occurrence in this project, after all, people opening up. (More on that in a special one-off 'episode') But for Eric, we started and ended our Walk with the word 'Fun', which wasn't exactly the most obvious route to legacy and family and fatherhood and Ricki Lake and IMDB. So we just followed the path and let our feet fall where they would.

What we found was the beauty in trusting instincts over rules, embracing fun over money, and finding balance in his superpower, even if it takes a trip to Disney to turn it all off...

#WalkwithMe #WalkwithLiz #GENed #Parenting #Leadership #LearningDifferences #Inspiring #gened #backyardwrestling #legacy #StrongMindedAgency #EricHersey #WaltDisneyWorld

TBD

'In your life, what's the big event?'

Think of yours. What was it? It's funny how often life's most difficult moments spring to the top. (Not funny, 'haha', of course, but...curious.) It's not a defect or a mistake or anything, it's natural, or it sure seems to be based on this project. But it does beg the question:

Why can we so clearly relive our past pain while the joy in our lives seems to flitter away with the breeze?

Tammy Augustine relives her big event on this walk, and then seems to stumble upon an even bigger one. One of hope and joy and tears for the best of reasons. But it wasn't the thing that forged her strength, I suppose. That came from adversity, from fear, and from the split-second moment that her entire perspective changed. She's rocked in the checkout line ever since.

She's also allowed herself to appreciate simpler things and (mostly) overcome life's little speed bumps a little easier and sometimes, she'll just take a walk.

We'd all be lucky to find such strength.

#WalkwithMe #WalkwithLiz #GENed #Parenting #Leadership #LearningDifferences #Inspiring #Strength #Stroke #Kindergarten #Perspective

'I always say, did you let your freak flag fly?'

What a catchphrase to live by. It's a wild contradiction, the anxiety just being 'ourselves' can cause when it almost always feels better to let it be, to be authentic, to let the freak flag fly. But sometimes we need permission to push past arbitrary societal norms, and that's exactly what that question does. It gives permission to just...be. A family-friendly rave at a bowling alley can help too...

With a shared mantra of people over profit, service over speed, and a shared history of difficult roads changing the course of a life expected, Liz and Dr. Jeff seemed in lockstep throughout this walk. It's always refreshing to hear philosophies apply across industries, especially when it comes to connecting with people in a human way and providing autonomy to their health and future.

Be yourself. The world needs it. Let the freak flag fly.

Walking with Gregg Behr is so pleasant and so energizing, you hardly notice the soaked shins and constant raindrops until you listen back to the recording on dry land.
This child of Western Pennsylvania was challenged long ago to set his sights on the stratosphere and make meaningful change, especially in the world of innovative educational programs designed to inspire kids (and adults) and improve the community they call home. Change the system. Boy, did he take that to heart.
Now the Executive Director of the Grable Foundation and a founding leader of Remake Learning, as well as an author, speaker, and one of the most fervent believers in the Fred Rodgers legacy, Gregg has never lost sight of that challenge. From his '30,000 ft perch', it can be incredibly rewarding and daunting at the same time. We talked about that feeling of 'never enough', the urgency of a mission like his, and how the little things can add up to something truly special. Little things, like a Walk in the rain.
The Luckiest Kid in Pittsburgh, indeed.
#WalkwithMe #WalkwithLiz #GENed #Parenting #Leadership #LearningDifferences #Inspiring #Pittsburgh #RemakeLearning #GrableFoundation #Philanthropy #Education #Wonder #RainyDay #MrRodgers #WontYouBeMyNeighbor