My bag gets filled

In this monthly theme of "Packing Our Bags of 2008", I have already learned to pack gratitude and to unpack my ears to listen.

I am a wordsmith of sorts and pack my bag with words where ever I go. Writing about the detritus was not enough. As an optimizer, I felt the need to do more.

I am packing my bag with some stuff but not like Rosa's stuff.

I am packing my bag with stuff that could go into a skip.

As my wife, Dolores, and I go for our weekly walk, I am carrying a bag that starts empty. I pack it with bottles and cans that I find along the road. Yes, Dolores gave me that look, too. You know the kind only a loved one can give when they think you are acting crazy. Heaven forbid someone think I am destitute and picking up the cans for the money.

I persisted. I stopped here and there to pick up a bottle along the walk until my bag was full. I will not get it all at once. I know that. I am also patient. I plan on walking regularly. With a little time, a little effort here and there, the bottles and cans will gradually go away.

I may even get a logo bag to advertise my local blog. Other walkers in town could do the same thing. And then with apologies to Arlo Guthrie,

You know, if one person, just one person does it they may think he's really sick and they won't take him.  And if two people, two people do it, in harmony, they may think they're both strange and they won't take either of them. And three people do it, three, can you imagine, three people walking in town pickin' up cans and botles and walking out. They may think it's an organization.  And can you, can you imagine fifty people a day, I said fifty people a day walking in pickin' up cans and bottles and walking out.  And friends they may thinks it's a movement.

So the BHAG this year is to turn walkers into recyclers. One can or bottle at a time. One person at a time. My new bag will read "Franklin Matters - Please Recycle". You can borrow this idea. Insert your town or city name and make a bag for your walk.

My bag this week looked like this:

   

What will you put in your bag for 2008?

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Steve Sherlock writes his 2 cent views on life from Franklin, MA. He explores the "good experience", "life long learning" and life in general, after handling the "before you blog" list his wonderful wife Dolores  provides him. Together they are enjoying the empty nest while their daughters are away at college. He is running on the FIRST plan and he podcasts tips/coaching advice at Passionate Runner.

Comments

[Rosa Say]

This is great Steve. I have thought about doing this on my walks, but I get a bit selfish and don't follow through with it because of the mix of walking and running I do - that bag would really get in the way when running. However you set such a good example, and it wouldn't hurt me to just walk the whole time a couple of times a week instead. I'll start today - have been taking an early evening walk since on the road right now.

[Steve Sherlock]

Yes Rosa, running and walking would be hindered by the bag. I run three days a week and walk two so those are the days I will "bag" it now.

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Awesome stuff Steve! You're really helping us all by packing as much as you do. Thanks for making the world a greater place, at least a few days a week!