Motivational Hills...

Day Two

The first day the fellas had a run in with hills, was on Day 2.  Most would assume this topic being important due to the evident physical challenge, but it actually went deeper than that.  Mentally everyone was faced with their own challenges within themselves.  Although, some would say the fellas are physically under conditioned, they seemed to believe it was the frame of mindset that they were in that needed to be better prepared.  Tre believed, “The hills represented the battles in life and what we are facing, dreams that are too farfetched and outlandish you are still able to conquer.”   In perspective Walk of Dreams is a living example.  While patting his chest excitedly he declared  “We came up w/ something like a “thought” a plan that was planned out, now it’s a reality “I’m wearing a shirt that says Walk Of Dreams, how crazy is this, I’m walking to NY!

With every optimistic progress it of course is followed by some form of negativity stemmed from somewhere.  In Millz’ eyes the whole purpose of this movement is to kill those pessimistic comments and instead give people the opportunity to go out and achieve their dreams.  “If you do it for yourself then of course you will encourage the next person.”  Negativity towards the movement is actually being viewed as something superior for the guys.  Whether there is good or bad talk about the movement, it’s all fine because there are still conversations surrounding it.

A simple stop at the Exxon gas station turned into something inspirational while also becoming motivational to the guys.  At the store they were somewhat taken in by the employees, by extending out what some would take for granted, as an actual memorable and humbling act of kindness given to the fellas.  They were able to use sockets around the facility and also were given food while taking a brief intermission from the actual walk.  While taking their break they had the opportunity to speak with an older gentleman about the actual cause, who was touched and also moved by the basis behind the movement.  He expressed that he was touched to see younger men actually taking the high road instead of being pulled into the low valleys of what a lot of African American men fall victim to a lot. 

After recharging both phone batteries and stomachs the walk continued.  Just as the fellas were approaching a steep hill, the same gentleman rode past them and honked while showing his appreciation of the motive by raising his fist in the air out his car window.  Tre summed his emotions up by stating, “ To see that gave me an energy boost out of nowhere.  The more people understand what we are doing the more they will respond and reach out to us.”

The overall experience for Day 2 was very motivational physically but more so mentally.  “Today we mentally experienced being taken out of our elements and not being scared to go to the next level because you know where it will get you,” perfectly explained by Sleep.  To him the physical challenge actually takes the back seat because every moment is worth it due to the actual cause behind it all.

CHECKPOINT REACHED: Fredericksburg, VA

-Kristen @ladyKwright