Lou Stagnitto

I want to continue my efforts to get to work daily without using my car. That means I will bike or take the bus and not use my car for transportation to work. Although this is part of my regular pattern, the month of October presents challenges weather-wise, and it will be a very busy month at work. Using the car to get to work will have lots of pull. I also want to continue modeling this to my teenage daughter, who would prefer to use the car for most purposes. I know my efforts will resonate with her as she gets older.

My EcoChallenge Blog

October 4th, 2011

The Challenge got me on my bike this morning, as October and the rains have dampened my spirits. The ride home was much wetter, yet I encountered a man who yelled to me, "fellow bike rider, ain't it great that the rains have returned?" with a wry smile. Along my route this evening was an orange road sign that normally tells drivers of "Abrupt Edge". This one, though, in front of a Belmont bar, was altered to read "Abrupt Edgey Bartender" with an arrow. Would I have noticed the humor if I was stuck behind the wheel of my car, struggling with the traffic to get home? What helps me continue to ride when the bus, or even that warm car, would be a more logical alternative for the rational types, is that I am being part of the solution. I'm making a positive, tangible contribution to my health and that of the community by not using my car. As I see others riding with foggy glasses and dripping helmets, I know that I am not alone. There are others like me, perhaps as stubborn and determined, who really believe we can bring about a wave that represents change in the way we approach the world. Along the way as I dodged cars and their lovely, wet gifts, I realized that living my values is what motivates me. Being conscious, aware, and alert to what I do, and the choices I make, is modeling behavior. If I am to leave some legacy I can intentionally create it partly through participating in the Challenge and make these choices part of the healing that needs to happen.

Comments

From: Mike Mercer

Thanks Lou for coming on board. Ah, modeling to teenage daughters - we can only hope. Be well.

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My EcoChallenge(s)

Alternative Transportation

My Fundraising Goal

$250

My Pledge Tally

$0