Lesson From Behind Bars

I had a rare experience behind bars last week. While I could write pages about the time there and the mix of emotions, my overwhelming feeling is gratitude.

Gratitude for the meaningful work I got to be a part of. * Gratitude for being around some of my former colleagues. Gratitude for feeling some fear about being out of comfort zone and going anyway.

But mostly, I'm grateful for the #1 takeaway of the two days: Even if there are lasting consequences from your very worst day, the power to change is always yours. And, you can make that transformation even in the midst of the most adverse of circumstances.

Your creator gives you the power to do so. Because His mercies are new every morning. 

Juxtaposed next to the wonderful examples of human transformation I witnessed last week, I read this passage:
 

"You've never been a ____, you say? You're talking ancient history! That was yesterday. Today you can begin the process of becoming who you want to be. If you hope to keep growing and going, all you need to do is seize the opportunity to reinvent yourself. You accomplish this by daily actions - big and small - that show your commitment to a new, improved version of yourself." Mark Sanborn

What is it that you want to be ancient history? Something you want to overcome, redefine, or birth anew my friend? 

It is in your reach. If you can dream it, you can do it. 

The path may be a bit winding, but it is possible. What daily actions will you commit to? What grace will you provide yourself on the path?

Just take care of one day at a time. And begin the process.

Welcome

Many, many moons ago, I was a blogger before blogging was a thing. I shared musings on culture and life as a lao wai, professor, language learner, runner and traveler while teaching at a university in mainland China for several years. If I’d only known people would one day make a living blogging…

On this here blog, I will be writing from a similar perspective about various topics. Because of those formative years and many others out of my comfort zone, I look at most things through the lens of learning a new culture. I hope you’ll join me, your fellow traveler and learner, as you have time. It’s a precious resource, so my goal is to add value and support your ALTA with each post.

I’ll close this inaugural entry with one of my favorite quotes. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi was a remarkable human. There’s no doubt about it. He changed his world, and ours, by doing something counter cultural. But, we don’t have to be famous to make a difference. What one thing will you do today to create the change you want to see around you?