Who Cares?

I know what you're thinking... Where have I been the past month?  Well, I've been buried under ambition.  Let's be honest, if you're ambitious you are not satisfied with your current situation.  Over the past several months I was not satisfied with my current situation.  I wanted to reach more youth, I wanted to build my organization, I wanted to become more influential, I wanted to be happier, I wanted more money, I wanted more friends, I wanted to see more places, I wanted to meet more people, I wanted more fame, I wanted to be accepted, I wanted my work to be validated, I wanted more and more and more.  I was not satisfied with my current situation and ambitious for more.  As a result, I was not able to appreciate anything I have done nor anyone I spent time with.

Since birth, we are programmed to believe that we must pursue happiness.  I have come to realize that that is the biggest crock of shit I have ever heard in my short life.  As soon as we enter adulthood we are thrown onto a hamster wheel and forced to believe that if we spin the wheel fast enough we will enter a euphoric state worth the leg work.  I am here to tell you to stop spinning.

Over the past two years I have been fully invested in my cause of eliminating childhood obesity.  I have invested physically by riding my bicycle around the country.  I have invested mentally by enduring the day to day challenges of being alone.  I have invested financially by departing with $36.  I have invested emotionally by leaving my family behind in Sacramento, CA.  I have invested spiritually by testing my personal beliefs as I became homeless, trusting all would work out.  I spun the hamster wheel as fast as I could towards making a difference and got nowhere.

One month ago, it suddenly became clear.  I realized that I didn't have to pursue to be happy... I just had to STOP.  And as soon as I stopped, I realized that I was good enough.  My organization was good enough.  What I have accomplished over the past two years was good enough.  Everyone around me was good enough.  My family was good enough.  I stopped pushing myself and the people around me to get better.  WE ARE GOOD ENOUGH.

In my life right now, I have everything I could possibly need.  I am GOOD!  And so are you, as soon as you STOP to realize it.  I am so content that I do not feel the need to finish this blog.  I will conclude this blog when I feel like it.  Because right now, this blog is GOOD ENOUGH!

Feel free to comment or inquire below...

-Teddy

Don't Follow Your Passion

Immediately after I finished delivering an elementary assembly in Wantagh, NY, a teacher approached me and said, "Mr. Teddy, it is amazing how much effort you have put into your movement over the past two years".  I quickly replied, "No I haven't!"  Ok, I didn't really say that, but if she could read my mind she would be like, 'Whaaa?'

Finish line speech- "Thank you!  But it wasn't hard.  I just went for a bike ride!"

But the teacher's remark made me think for a while as I reflected on the work and effort I have put into my organization, Across America for Childhood Obesity. And after thinking about the two years of touring the country on a bicycle without any money and speaking to over 250 schools, it became apparent that I have not put in much effort at all.  

No, really in all seriousness IT WAS EASY!  And no it wasn't because I followed my passion- that's just cliche garbage that is fed to us to try to make us feel better about wasting half of our lives working.  You should never just follow your passion.  The more I think about passion, the more I feel it is one-dimensional and should never be the sole reason for doing something.

Say for instance your passion is coffee.  In fact, you are so passionate about coffee that you decide to open a local coffee shop.  Soon your business is booming and you are knee deep in the business and logistics of owning a coffee shop.  You quickly find out you are not so passionate about business.  Then after observing squatters taking up valuable seat space in your small shop for a lousy $1.95 cup of coffee (guilty as charged, give me a break I'm basically homeless) you discover you're not passionate about people.  The hours you have to put into your business, the marketing, the never-ending hiring and training of new employees and so on, all of which you are not passionate about.  But your passion was coffee, and you were told if you do what you are passionate about you will never work a day in your life.  So why was this such a bad idea?  It's because a single passion is a hobby; one-dimensional.  In order to succeed at any life endeavor, such as your occupation, you must 1) piece together a wide array of your passions (plural), and 2) want to excel at it.  In the above example, if you are passionate about coffee, business, dealing with moochers, working with teenagers, and want to be the best coffee shop around, you are going to be very successful owning a coffee shop and most importantly enjoy it. 

When I departed for my first tour on June 5, 2010, I was passionate about about every aspect of my endeavor- pushing the limits of my physical capabilities, speaking in front of people, being around kids, traveling, being completely alone, living without any money, camping, living spontaneously without any guarantees, sales and marketing, meeting new people, and squatting at Starbuck's.  If I was not passionate about any areas of my 'occupation', then I would have had to put in a lot of effort to continue on with my journey.  And the second step of success is that I was already 'good' or I wanted to be 'good' at every single one of those passions.

Mark Cuban states in a recent blog post, "Don't follow your passions, follow your effort.  It will lead you to your passions and to success, however you define it".  Mr. Cuban is spot on with 'follow your effort' but slightly off the 'mark' (jokes are like nachos, the cheesier the better) with 'don't follow your passions'.  You should most definitely follow your passions.  But only the passions you want to excel at.

Much love and respect,

Mr. Teddy

Thank you to Mark Cuban for the valuable life and business insight you grant us through your blog.  I subscribe to his blog, you should also subscribe here.  Mark also LOVES fart jokes, you can send your best ones to him here.  

Please forward this to your friends and family!  You can help us reach the next community of youth by becoming a sponsor.  And follow my 22,000-mile bicycle tour to raise awareness for childhood obesity with daily updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Why Doesn't Your Child Count?

The crisp wind hit my skin as I walked down the streets of Atlanta, GA with both hands in my pocket and chin tucked down on my chest.  After a whirlwind week filled with 13 assemblies in 3 different states, I found myself stumbling through the crowded doorway of Thumbs Up Diner in the heart of Decatur.  I figured I would beat the breakfast crowd by arriving at 11am, only to fight tooth and nail for the next available table with the eager and impatient lunch crowd.

I squeeze and shuffle my way to the hostess as politely as possible.

"Just one please", I said over a tall man pinned against the hostess stand by numerous people waiting for their named to be called.

"It's going to be a 1-hour wait, but you are more than welcome to find an open seat at the bar", she hurriedly directed my attention to an open seat at the 50's style diner bar.

I found a clear path towards the bar and went for it.  With no time to spare, I made it to the lone available stool at the bar. On my right was an older gentleman with a long white pony tail and glasses.  To my left a young attractive girl with a warm, gray hat pulled down over her eyes.

After several minutes of indecision, I finally ordered the Yukon Omelette (Salmon, Spinach and Cream Cheese).  The guy behind the bar was the very definition of cool- dreads, beanie and deep southern accent that held on the the last syllable of every word.  Immediately after he took my menu from me, I noticed the girl to my left leaned over to me with the look of mischievous charm in her eyes.  I slightly turned my head anticipating the start of endearing banter.

"Don't vote for Obama", she said as she pointed to the TV above the bar before returning to her straight posture in the stool.  A look of confusion quickly slapped me in the face along with the unspoken expressions of WTF and really??

"Excuse me??" I replied as I let out a loud chuckle as I watched Obama deliver a speech above the bar.  "Do you want to talk about money or religion next?" I ask rhetorically.  I resumed eye contact as she playfully tilted her head to see past the small bill of her hat.

Just then, completely irrelevant to the girl's statement, one of my favorite quotes entered my mind- "You learn most about yourself, others and humanity when you are still".  When ever I am in situations that seem meaningless or insignificant, I pause and ask myself, "what can I learn right now?"  And every time I stop to absorb my surroundings, I notice and gain insight to something I was blind to seconds before.

As soon as I opened my awareness to my surroundings, I saw a family of three walk into door.  Husband and wife with toddler in hand who was clumsily wobbling to avoid the fidgety knees of the 'wait-listed'.

They arrived to the hostess stand after a 10-minute 'excuse me' parade and stated with purpose, "There will be three of us, today".

"You must have your entire party here to make a reservation", the hostess stated with clipboard in hand.

"We are", the husband reassured her.

"Is your third waiting outside", the hostess asked with suspicion.

"No, he's right here", he countered as he pointed down to his son.

I was blown away.  I suddenly recalled all of the times I have made a reservation with one of my many cousins in hand.  'A table for 4 and one toddler' is how the reservation would sound, as if they were half a person.  Then I began to think about all of the other ways I have been subconsciously downplaying and suffocating the influence of the kids in my life.

Our kids count.  They also have a voice.  Such an influential voice, in fact, that they can evoke change no matter how young.  Next time you're in a seemingly insignificant, ask yourself, "what can I learn right now?"  You are meant to learn something from everyone and everything you encounter, even from our children.

I'm Selling Toilets Door to Door

In life, have you ever felt like you're selling toilets door to door?  The feeling that no matter how hard or diligently you work, the odds are already stacked against you even before you knock on the door?

How would you even sell toilets door to door anyways?  "You never know what to expect from our competitors' toilet.  Let's face it, it's a crap shoot if you go with them." (Several puns, all of which were intended)

"The battle of the toilet seat between you and the Mrs. is over when you install the UrinalMaster 3000 in your home"

This is the feeling I get every time I call a school district along my tour route to propose a partnership to inspire their students.  The hassle, rejection and run-around I get from the majority of the people within our educational system is absurd.  I might as well be selling toilets to them.  Now in no way am I suggesting that selling toilets is dishonest or illegitimate work in anyway.  But the more I think about where our educational system is going, I couldn't think of anything more fitting.

"My name is Teddy Herrera and I am cycling 22,000-mil..."

"We're not interested."

"What are you not interested in?"

"Whatever you're selling."

"Give me 5 minutes to share my story with you.  Through my struggle and sacrifice, you will realize that I am not selling, but giving; giving your students the opportunity and encouragement to succeed against all odds, realize their full potential, and actively pursue their dreams while leading a healthy and active lifestyle." (It doesn't sound as cheesy in real life)

(Click.. dial tone)

This was a real conversation.  I'm certain that I was talking to myself after I asked for 5 minutes of her time.  After I sent an email apologizing about my poor cell phone service (HA!) while cycling around the Nation, she told me there is not a budget for our assembly program to fight childhood obesity.  I responded that I would not let that prevent me from reaching her students with my powerful message, and donate my services to her free of charge.  I didn't receive a response from her.  A few days later I sent a follow-up email that was immediately returned to me as undeliverable.  Apparently, I had been blacklisted from sending emails to anyone within the district.  She was the Director of Student Health and Wellness.  I wasn't given the time of day, as if I was knocking on her front door at 6pm, cheesy smile and toilet in hand.

Give people a chance to tell their story.  How many people do you brush aside throughout your everyday life?  I have been drowning in the bureaucracy of our educational system, swirling around the bowl for the past two years.  Looking back on my efforts, it scares me to think about all of the students who didn't have the opportunity to hear my story, because an educational bureaucrat did not take 5 minutes out of her day to listen.

Imagine all of the amazing stories that you didn't have the opportunity to hear because you were too busy to stop and listen.  Everyone deserves a chance.  And the next time someone knocks on your door with there arm wrapped around a toilet, don't give them any crap.

I Need Help!!

On my bike- tent, sleeping bag and a tool box

"I need help"- The three most powerful words we never use.  Call it pride, humility or whatever you want to call it.  I call it stupidity.  And it took me a very long time to get over my pride to realize this.  If you are in need of something, ASK!

I started my first tour with $36, a tent and a sleeping bag.  How did I make it?  I asked for help.  I would take a tupperware into restaurants and ask them if they could give me leftover food at the end of the night.  Everyday, if I asked 10 restaurants, one always said yes.  On the days I badly needed a shower and a warm bed, I would ask 10 hotels for a sponsored night's stay.  After asking 10 hotels, I would always find one that was willing to help me out.

When you initially read the title of this blog, what emotions did you feel?  Did you jump back in disgust because I apparently needed help?  Or did you feel compelled to read further to determine whether you could assist me in any way?

One of the Tupperware containers I used to pack leftover food

People want to help YOU, too!  Whenever you're struggling throughout your day today, ask for help.  If you have a goal you want to achieve, no matter how small or big, ask people to help you accomplish it.  After asking 10 people for help, you will find one person that is willing and able to assist you succeed.

I really do need your help!  I need you to forward this blog to all of your family and friends to help spread my message to future communities.  I am currently in Savannah, GA and will be riding up the east coast to Boston, then back across the northern states to Seattle.  If you know any teachers, principals, superintendents or a friend who has a kid attending a local school at any of the cities on my nationwide route, I want to inspire their youth to lead active and healthy lifestyles!  Send me an email at teddy@aa4co.com and I will email you an informative, easy to forward, eFlyer thats grants insight into the motivation we bring to each school we visit.  If you forward it to 10 friends and family members, you will help me secure one school to speak at.

Inspiring children to get up, get out and actively chase their dreams!

I truly appreciate your continual support!  And if you ever need anything from me, please ask!  Follow my 22,000-mile bicycle tour to fight childhood obesity on Facebook and Twitter!  For more information about our K-12 assembly program, please visit our website here.  Much love and respect... and don't forget to encourage one another!


~Mr. Teddy

Why I'm quitting Facebook

Aren't you tired of the time that is consumed on Facebook? I am.  Facebook was the only way I was able to get the word out about my cause at first.  I departed June 5, 2010 on my first tour with $36 and 168 some odd Facebook friends.  I did not have a website and was not media savvy.  I relied on finding like-minded individuals and persuading them to join my cause.  And it was tough.  Somehow I was able to connect with unbelievable supporters- off the top of my head, Ted Lipkin, Kashia Cave, Joshua Tipton, Scott Clifford, and Michelle Nieves, along with countless others, all were FB acquaintances that went above and beyond, ensuring that my first tour was a success.

Since I departed on my second tour, I have noticed a shift in the way people use Facebook.  It seems that nowadays they use it as a tabloid, to stay up to date with people's lives and taking it at purely face value.  I for one have not changed my approach of using Facebook, which is to connect and get to know the people I am "friends" with.  For instance, every single person that comments on my statuses or wall, I respond back and inquire about their point of view on no subject in particular.  At the very least, I would display my appreciation for taking the time to visit my page.  Because for me, every single status represented a person, a soul, that continually needs encouragement to carry on through this cold, brutal world.

EVERYONE NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT!  And if you have absolutely nothing in this world- not a house, a car, any money, a family- you have the most valuable currency in this world, encouragement.  It doesn't cost a single dime to encourage someone, yet it is the scarcest resource in our world.  And yes, even I need encouragement.  When I pour my heart out into the timeline of Facebook, and nobody takes the time to stop by to comment or like it, I feel like I am not appreciated; not important enough to take a minute of your day.  And I am confident that everyone on Facebook feels the same.  But it's not even about my feelings.  I am a tough guy, and I am able to mentally and spiritually overcome any challenge or hardship thrown my way.  It was the fact that only a few people shared my journey with their friends and contacts on Facebook, giving me the opportunity to inspire and encourage their youth in future communities.

I am not longer using Facebook for the simple fact that I have not been able to reach any schools through Facebook, unlike my first tour.  My main priority is acquiring as many opportunities to share my story with the youth of America as possible.  Originally, I was able to connect and build relationships with people I have yet to meet in person on Facebook.  Facebook was not tainted on my first tour, not as competitive for the attention of passer-bys much like tabloids in the checkout aisle of your super market.

Five days ago, I downloaded the Socialcam app for my iPhone (also available on Android).  Within 2 hours, I had received a shoutout from the most influential person on Socialcam, The Roxie.  Within 10 minutes after that, I had received a shoutout from the most influential people of her 40,000+ followers, displaying their limitless support, love, services and contacts.  Today, I have 3,000+ followers, countless offers for placing to stay, millions of words of encouragement- but most importantly, 5 booked school assemblies.  How I long for the time we could meet people on Facebook and offer them the love and understanding every person deserves.

Allow me to clarify.  I am not deactivating my Facebook account.  There are hundreds of people I love, some of whom I have only met once, that will always be there for ANYONE in their Facebook friend list.  I will use Socialcam exclusively to grant insight into my spirit and soul, but continue to push material through my Facebook and Twitter accounts.  I will continue to post interviews, articles, news segments onto Facebook, using it as a news feed (please share with your friends).  But I will not be able to comment or respond to every post or comment.  I hope you are able to join me on Socialcam.  You will very quickly understand my change of heart the minute you sign up.

I have much love and respect for everyone in this world, especially those you have shared my journey with me.  And especially those who have been there since the beginning, giving me the tools and encouragement to believe in the idea that one person could change the world.  My family (My mom, brother, my grandma, all my uncles and aunts, cousins) my best friend Chad Adams, Ray Porter, Kinetic Cycles and Bruce Kaiser, Lou and Lesley Corpuz, The Zimmerle Family and so many more families and friends.  I love you.  I truly love you.  And I love you reading this blog right now.  Encourage everyone you meet and come in contact with tomorrow.  Once you been doing so, you will begin to receive the love and encouragement that you deserve so much.

Please show your encouragement by leaving a comment and sharing with your family and friends.

I'm No Longer Fighting Childhood Obesity

You read it right!  I am no longer fighting childhood obesity.  Well, maybe I should explain- I am redefining the term 'childhood obesity'.  For the past two years I have seen countless programs, organizations and initiatives to fight childhood obesity and I can not bite my tongue any longer.  Our current system will NOT work in ending childhood obesity.  In fact, it is causing multiple issues within our youth that are far more devastating than the physical complications and affects of childhood obesity.

The weight of a child means nothing to me.  The weight I am most concerned with is the negativity, stereotypes and limitations that weigh down on our youth, preventing our youth from realizing their full-potential.  The reason our current approach is not working is because it is attacking childhood obesity from the outside in.  It seems to me the existing programs are forcing our children on diet and exercise routines and regiments, with the primary goal of getting them skinny.  And once kids are skinny, their job is done.  I am not satisfied with a kid simply being skinny.

I hear it all the time...

Defensive parent- "Wow, you are fighting for a great cause.  But my kid is as skinny as a pole, you don't need to talk to him."

My response- "That's great!  But does he know he can change the world?"

Our children, of all sizes, need encouragement; not a diet and exercise program.  All we can do as parents is educate our children about the affects of the choices they make throughout their day, and provide them with the resources they need for a healthy lifestyle.  When our children make the decision to lead healthy and active lifestyles, they will already have the tools necessary to fulfill their decision.  At the point you made the conscious decision to lead a healthier lifestyle, did you do so because you were forced to?  Or because you made a personal commitment and decision, within, to change the way you lead your life?  In order to evoke change, one must be self-motivated.  What makes our children any different?

Therefore, I am no longer fighting childhood obesity in the aesthetic, superficial approach we have implemented.  Damaging emotional problems are bound to follow.  Instead, I will opt to fight childhood obesity from the inside out encouraging our youth to get up, get out, and actively chase their dreams.  I strive to make our youth aware of the influence they possess as an individual within this world.  Once a child realizes they can change the world, they can easily change the way they lead their lives.  But that choice is up to them, not us.

3 Things Keep Me Warm During Winter- Shaving, Letters, and Crusty Old Men

The first question people ask me about my bicycle route and schedule for my 22,000-mile tour is, "Omg, you poor thing.  How do you ride through the winter?"  Well, I meticulously plan my route to time the seasons, enjoying optimal weather year around.  So don't feel too bad for me, especially right now.

My current location

No really, don't feel bad for me.

20% chance of rain?!? Brrrrrr...

But it's not to say that I haven't encountered my fair share of brutal weather.  During my previous 11,000-mile bicycle tour, I had to bicycle through freezing rain in West Texas and I hibernated during 8-inches of snowfall in New Mexico.  When I was bicycling through West Texas, I would have to stop every mile to return feeling to my hands and feet.  As I was riding down the deserted highway through West Texas, I layered my hands with as many leather work gloves as I could find on the side of the road.  At one time I had five pairs of mix-matched cow-hide gloves, with two left handed gloves on my right hand.  I couldn't do much for my feet though.

Here are three things that keep me warm during my 100+ mile winter rides:

Number 1- Shaving.  Contrary to popular belief, facial hair does not keep your face warm.  Well, at least not mine.  I'm sure your face would stay warm if you have a massive 'Grizzly Adams' beard.  But I can't grow one.  So I was much better off clean shaven then with a 5 o'clock shadow.  It works so well, in fact, I tested the theory on my legs and yes, not only does it feel awesome under the sheets, but also eliminates the wind chill factor.

Shavestrong.

Number 2- Letters.  And not the ABC's, but actual penpal letters sent to me from kids around the country!  Not even my grandma's chicken noodle soup can warm my insides like a letter from a school or class I have previously visited.  I mean, YOU try reading this letter without tingling inside.  I am often asked how I am able to continually ride thousands of miles, month after month.  With moments like this, how could I stop??

$20 if you can figure out what's on the back of my bicycle.  A carrot??

And number 3- Crusty old men.  Meet Boston Bill.  No really, click here to read about his truly touching story; I can not, and will not attempt to, do it justice.  In 2007, Boston Bill became an amputee after an infection spread through his foot.  After his quick recovery, and determination not to let it get in between his lifelong passion for running, he became an inspiration to the amputee patients he visited, and all those he encounters.  It is because of people like Boston Bill, and the incredible inspiration and perspective they grant me, that I am able to endure all.

After becoming an amputee at age 70, Boston Bill rides his bike cross-country to inspire.

I was sitting inside Tour de Pizza, local cycling-themed pizza shop in St. Petersburg, FL and home of the 30 day pizza diet, when Boston Bill pulled open the glass door to walked in.  I had met Boston Bill by chance on my first tour for all of 10 minutes, in front of a coffee shop while departing St. Pete, and his warm and generous spirit stayed with me for 15,000 miles.  He walked in proud and confident, wearing a gray crew neck sweatshirt and a generic 5k/10k benefit run baseball cap.  Boston Bill strutted the 7-feet from the front door to the cash register, with such humility, that I couldn't help but smile.  I immediately jumped from the pizza bar, displaying 10 different pizzas in a uniformed line, to greet him at the cash register with dim hopes that he would remember who I was.  Well, if he didn't remember me, he did a tremendous job of acting like he did.  A beaming, almost presidential-like, smile, a hand shake and a 'How the heck are ya?!"  But I am sure that this is how he treats anyone he meets, strangers and friends alike.  He immediately invited me to sit with him as he enjoyed his usual slice of cheese pizza.  We shared stories from the road, and the hospitality of people for, an hour without pause or change of subject.  It was like we were long lost friends with a lifetime of catching up to do.  We parted with a warm and genuine hug, his right cheek pressed firmly against mine, as I whispered my gratitude towards him.

Boston Bill and Matt McClellan, owner of Tour de Pizza

We often get overwhelmed from the very thought of the long, cold road we must take towards our goal or dream, even before taking the first step.  We talk ourselves out of even beginning the journey by over-thinking about the struggle, and all that could go wrong in pursuit of our dream.  The reason we do, is because we feel like we have to go down this road by ourselves.  I would be the biggest fool in the world if I told you that I completed my first tour by myself.  Although I was physically by myself, I encounter thousands a people, that seemed to be placed on my path at precisely the right time, with a purpose; to help further me along my own path.  Whether it was money, a place to stay, a pat on the back, or a simple smile, every single person I met helped me, in some way, motivating me to continue one more day.  The next day, I would meet someone else.  And the next day, and the next day.  If I would have gone one day with out meeting an incredible soul, I am certain that I would have quit.

We are not alone.  Once you set down the road towards your dream, you will meet people that are placed on your path, with the sole purpose of helping you get one step closer to your dream; just long enough until you meet the next person.  But nobody will or can help you take that first step.  That one you'll have to do by yourself.  Something tells me you can handle it though.  And when your road becomes so cold that you don't feel like you can continue, just shave, read a letter a kid wrote you, and talk with a crusty old man.

Thank you Matt McClellan and Tour de Pizza for sponsoring the St. Petersburg/Tampa, FL tour stop!  And thank you Boston Bill for your tremendous strength and uplifting presence.  You are no longer crusty, and you will never be old for as long as you inspire.  I am very proud to know you.

You may help others obtain a prosthetic leg by donating to the Boston Bill Foundation.

Please forward this message to family and friends to help me reach as many as possible with my message.  Follow my 22,000-mile bicycle tour to raise awareness for childhood obesity with daily updates on Facebook and Twitter.

My Human Thread in New Orleans

I laid on a futon cushion on the ground, staring at the reflection of the 'Face of New Orleans' as he quickly, but meticulously, cut his hair in a full-length mirror, which leaned against the wall as the only piece of furniture in the room.  My back was against the only window in the halfway renovated room as the dust absorbed the little sunlight that shined through, preventing the slightest twinkle of light from reaching the wood flooring.  A single bulbed lamp shined on his head, like a spotlight, as he took center stage to share with me the true essence of New Orleans- the people.

His words matched the rhythm of the local blues music that echoed down the hallway of the shotgun house.  Very rarely do we feel an extremely high level of content, in which confirms our intuition in any single given moment of time, that we are exactly where we are supposed to be, at precisely the right time.  I had reached that state of euphoria, as it felt like my spirit had elevated from my laying body, gracefully rising to observe this wrinkle of time from the rafters of the room.  How did I arrive to this moment?

His name is Dancingman 504, the face of New Orleans.  I stood up from the futon cushion and walked down the shotgun house towards the shower, in preparation for the 12th day festivities, which signalled the start of the Mardi Gras season.  It was Tootie Montana day, and Dancingman and I were going to his statue in Armstrong Park to pay our respects.  I first walked through the kitchen, then the living room before arriving to the shower, reflecting on the events that had unfolded in search for the, now repetitious and pestering question- how did I arrive to this moment of time?

It started with a follow-up email, that created a ripple effect of amazing people and events to follow.  After meeting Dancingman at a health fair at an eastside New Orleans high school, I followed up the next day with an email to his manager (the 'hey, great to connect' kind of email).  I was supposed to depart that day to Mobile, AL, but I chose instead to continue down this thread of events to discover where it would take me.  It took me down a chain reaction of amazing people and experience.  The result- the rawest cultural experience of a lifetime, against the sights and sounds of the Cresent City.

Dancingman playing with local band on Frenchman Street (©Crystal Shelton)

Member of Skinz and Bonez, a local New Orlean faux-gang (©Crystal Shelton)

Walking down Bourbon Street (©Crystal Shelton)

(©Crystal Shelton)

Skinz and Bonez in front of Joan of Arc statue on her 600th birthday (©Crystal Shelton) 

Imagine the countless people you didn't follow up with.  Or the people you come in contact with every day, whom you dismiss as insignificant occurrences.  Each one of those 'coincidental encounters', are the starting points of threads in time that will cause a ripple effect, taking you on a journey you never before imagined.

"My mother told me, she said, 'there is no one in this world, you don't have something in common with.  Everyone person in this world has one thing in common, if nothing else.'  I asked what is that, and she said, 'you have a mother.  You have a mother, they have a mother'.  And if you have one thing in common, you have two things in common, and from there you keep on growing." - Dancingman

Seize these opportunities today.  Say hello to every single person you make eye contact with.  Introduce yourself, and seek what it is you are meant to learn from them at that moment in time.  You can learn something from everyone you encounter!  Be open to the endless opportunities that will surely be presented.  And most importantly, follow-up.

These amazing photos were captured and created by Crystal Shelton, another amazing person in which directly resulted from my follow-up email to Dancingman's manager.  Follow-up with Crystal.

A special thank you to Dancingman and his manager for opening their hearts and home to me!  Connect with Dancingman on Facebook.  Follow-up with Dancingman.

Thank you to my friends Robin and Bryan for your generosity, hospitality and encouragement!  And thank you Jade, for placing me at the start of this thread!

Follow my journey, as I bicycle 22,000-miles to fight childhood obesity, with daily updates on Facebook and Twitter.  Please forward this to your friends and family!  And help us reach the next community of youth by becoming a personal sponsor here.

5 Tips to Achieve Your Resolution

The man, the myth and the legend- Ted Herrera

Happy New Year everyone!  First and foremost, thank you for all of your support and encouragement over the past years.  A lot has happened since the day I lost my father on September 11, 2007, most notably my current endeavor of inspiring our youth to actively chase their dreams, while leading healthy and active lifestyles.  Across America for Childhood Obesity has made huge strides in such a short amount of time, and I am proud to announce that AA4CO will soon be registered as a 501 c3 non-profit.  Thank you everyone that has made this dream a reality, and a special thank you to the incredible people I have invited to sit on our board of directors, whom I will announce once we obtain our non-profit status.

In the spirit of the New Year, I wanted to help you reach the most allusive goal of all- the New Year Resolution.  Whether it was my Grandpa trying to quit smoking for the past 10 years, or my own resolution last year of never spending another New Year's Eve in a honkie tonk bar, with a helium balloon drop, in Texas City, TX (true story). We all make them, and we all break them.  Here are 5 things you must do to do in order to turn your resolution into your reality!

My resolution on June 5, 2010- The start of my first tour

1. Write it down.  Write down your resolution on paper with the words, "I am going to.." before it.  Place this piece of paper on your bathroom mirror and repeat it to yourself multiple times as you brush your teeth in the morning, and night.  In the morning, visualize what you are going to do today to get one step closer to reaching your resolution.  And at night, reflect on all you had accomplished and what you could have done better.

2. Make a plan.  Make a plan that outlines your entire resolution, start to finish.  This plan should include your year long resolution, as well as weekly goals.  Set your weekly goals so that when you accomplish them every week, you will have accomplished your resolution at the end of the year.  Also plan an event that will showcase your new habit or talent for the end of the year.  For instance, if your resolution is to learn the guitar, schedule a open mic night for the end of the year at your local musical showcase.  Is your resolution a personal transformation, not easily showcased?  Then this is a perfect excuse to throw a party for yourself!

3. Keep track of your progress (or lack thereof).  If you accomplish your weekly goal, place a big smiley face on the calendar that week.  If you don't reach your weekly goal, place a big red 'X' on the calendar that week.  By keeping track of your progress, you will be able to tangibly see that you are making strides in the right direction.  If you notice you haven't reached your weekly goal for the past two weeks, you tend to give yourself a proverbial kick in the butt to strive that much harder for the next week's goal.  And go ahead and reward yourself every time you reach your weekly goal.  Even if your resolution is to lose weight, reward yourself with a cheat day from your diet and exercise program.  And also punish yourself when you don't reach your weekly goal, by donating to AA4CO to help us reach the next community of youth!  I hope you never have to click on this link, but you can donate here.

"Kids, why can't a bicycle stand on its own?.. Because it's two-tired!"

4. Verbalize your resolution.  Your words become your reality.  Tell all of your family, friends, co-workers and even every person you meet, about your resolution.  Not only will these wonderful people keep you on the path towards success, but you will also attract like-minded individuals whom can help you achieve your goal, by either joining you or offering their expertise.  In addition, before you begin your resolution, send everyone an invitation to your year end showcase event or party.  This way you are locked in and failure will not be an option.  This is it, don't get scared now!

5. Be consistent.  Experts say that it takes 21 days of doing something for it to become a habit, and that it takes 6 months to become apart of your personality.  So keep at, one day it will all of a sudden become a way of life.  Imagine, if you will, that your resolution is like breaking through a brick wall.  You may not notice progress through day 139, and then you finally break through the wall on day 140, waking up a resolved person.  Move forward day by day, and know that whether you're moving forward slowly or quickly, YOU'RE STILL MOVING FORWARD!  Progress is progress, the finish line will never move!

Do these 5 things when working towards your resolution and you will succeed!  Don't ask yourself what the new year is going to bring you, but what YOU are going to bring to the new year!  I am very excited for what AA4CO, with your help, is going to bring to the youth of America this year!

What is your resolution?  Write it below in the comment box!  Mine?  Never spend another New Year's Eve in a honkie tonk bar in Texas City, TX!  This year, the balloons actually fell down.

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