'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

As we mentioned yesterday, Ashley Battle was originally scheduled for next week. But, given how intricately involved she was in our last walk with Brean Vaske, and especially given the championship run of her former team, the UConn Huskies (Ashley is a 3x champion herself, no biggie), we thought it was only right to jump start the second half of this project with a true gamer.
We didn't talk a lot about Ashley's pedigree, although it's fairly unavoidable at some point. She is a national champion, former defensive player of the year, WNBA veteran, and current scout for the Boston Celtics, after all. But instead we focused on mindset, respecting the voices of children, and meaning it when we say the all-too-sarcastic phrase, 'living the dream'.
I'd say it was worth the trip...
Head to hofreuter.com/livin-the-dream to read more! Thanks, AB.

'...you make me sound like a superhero.'
'I see your cape.'
If that doesn't sum up the crux of these walks.
First of all, the efforts and belief that Brean displayed during some of the most challenging moments any of us could imagine were nothing short of heroic. Let's start there. But beyond that, it's wildly difficult to turn the gaze upon yourself, especially in the moment, without immediately finding our limitations. 'I should have done more. I should do more today. Things are good but...' It often takes hindsight to smooth the vibrations of trauma and gain any kind of proper perspective. And sometimes it takes a Walk, and a flight, and two quick days at the Garden to finally share your suffering.
Put your oxygen mask on first, breathe, and let the lotus grow from the mud. Thanks for Walking, Brean.
#WalkwithMe #WalkwithLiz #GENed #Parenting #Leadership #LearningDifferences #Inspiring #Suffering #Joy #GetReal #OxygenMask #Flight #LoganAirport #Boston

These Walks can be a labor of love. A responsibility to do right by those trusting in us to find a line. Or let go of one. They've taken days or weeks to compile. They're emotional. They're beautiful. They're...exhausting. But each time they finish. Each time the words start sounding garbled or wrong. Each time we prepare to put stories to the world and need a first listen, there's Rick Paolina.

He folds his paper towel (in case it gets windy and his eyes need a dab), locks his gaze, and turns off the world in order to listen to what's been found. He doesn't even have to say anything. If he's laughed and if his eyes have been wiped, we're ready. What else can you ask for, really?

#WalkwithMe #WalkwithLiz #GENed #Parenting #Leadership #LearningDifferences #Inspiring #Business #Kindness #Listening #Bellaire

With a quiet confidence and grace, Ashl...I mean Lala Woods talks about overcoming one of life's many pivots and how reacting with optimism is the only way to go.
It's quite a thing to realize a child isn't quite a child anymore, even when the face you see staring back at you seems feathered by memories and ornery youth. But to talk to Lala now is to talk to someone who has lived a bit. Someone who's felt challenged and who's had to adjust to life on the sidelines before stepping back onto the court. And someone who recognizes the power of one caring adult, the safe space they offer, and the impact they can have.

It's not easy to describe someone who is so open about struggle and so fair about fault. Someone so willing to accept responsibility but so clear about heroes. But here in this space, we find Gus, a child turned man who was always ready to speak and who has inspired, who continues to inspire, long-necessary changes in education.
He doesn't describe himself this way, at least not yet, but Gus is an advocate. He's been profiled and called upon again and again since he was 10 years old, and each time, he has stepped forward to matter-of-factly bless those within earshot with a face for the purpose. A person for the challenge. And a story of success on which to build.
That success doesn't come without setbacks, sometimes overwhelming ones, but growth isn't linear and failures are new opportunities to learn. Gus is taking hi