Things I’m Passionate About - Speech

David Brooks, past International Speech Champion advises that the best speeches are written down word-for-word. I'd like to share my speech from the Toastmasters Competent Communicator manual project #1, The Ice-Breaker.

“The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions. Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809 - 1892)

Mr. Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, welcomed guests, as we enter into the season of gift-giving I believe the greatest gift we have ever received is the gift of CHOICE. We all have a choice in life, we can choose to complain about the hand that life has dealt us, or, we can choose to make the most of our personal experiences. I have committed myself to live a happy life...I have chosen to live a life with purpose. I have made up my mind that whatever I do, I will do it, with passion. 

You may have heard the saying, “A man is known, not by what he says but by what he does” and so I would like to share with you some of my life’s passions.

1) When I was a teenager growing up in the United Kingdom I set myself a lifelong ambition; to visit every country in the world all 195 of them! I love to travel.  So far I have been to 17 countries. I have visited Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Venezuela, Suriname, Grenada, St. Vincent, Jamaica, Barbados, Canada, Bahamas. Turks & Caicos. I’ve lived in 4 countries, Trinidad & Tobago, the country of my birth, United Kingdom, Guyana and now in the USA. I have been fortunate enough to go on two Caribbean cruises in the past 12 months. Plans are now in the works to do a ‘road-trip’ a drive from New Jersey to California and back.

2) I love being musical, both singing and playing instruments – my Dad is a music teacher; he taught me that my body is the greatest musical instrument! The ABC of music is the Diatonic Scale also known as Sol-fa. (Sung) Doh re mi fa sol la ti doh’, doh’ ti la sol fa mi re doh. That is what I sing to maintain focus when I run.

HarTech Craft Artisans

3) I love creating things with my hands, being a self-taught carpenter I’ve built 4 built-in closets, and numerous small construction projects around my home. I became a telecommunications technician while living and finishing school in the UK because I wanted to use my hands. 10 years later, In 1984 I started a leather handicraft business and worked together with my wife building that business for 12 years. Two months ago I built a workshop to start making leather products again on a part-time basis and also to paint when so inspired.  Samples of the unique handcrafted creations and one-of-a-kind, personalized designs that HarTech Artisans makes can soon be found on www.etsy.com  20% of all profits from this activity goes to The Light Of Pearl Foundation www.lightofpearl.org a children’s cancer and education charity founded in memory of my Mom, Pearl Lucille Harvey, who passed away 12/23/1968.

4) I love to run, not being very fast I moved up to longer and longer distances. Last month I completed my 14^th marathon and I have devoted all my running to raise funds for charity. I recently joined forces with a wonderful charity called Running on Love http://www.active.com/donate/NJM2011/Team1JHarvey to raise funds for the Light of Pearl Foundation…. My long term goal is to run at least one marathon each year for the next 25 years.

5) And finally through my experience with Toastmasters, I have grown to love public speaking.  As part of my purposeful living I have chosen to devote myself to speaking to inspire. In sharing my life experience it is my hope that others are inspired, not just to float through life but to make waves.

What are you passionate about?  Don’t keep it to yourself, share it!

All I have done, all I have yet to accomplish, can be encapsulated in this statement of pure gratitude by John Bradford; “There but for the grace of God go I.”   

Mr. Toastmaster.  

Things I'm Passionate About.

Visited UMDNJ Toastmasters in Newark NJ after a 6 month absence and gave a speech on passion. This is the third Toastmasters Club that I belong to and this speech is speech #1 from the Competent Communicator manual. I'm doing my 2nd CC program. Please take a look at my speech and leave a comment; share what you are passionate about! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX0vOpYf8Ug

How I felt after finishing the Richmond marathon in a record time for me!

I will post the written version soon. :-)

Salani kahle (stay well - in Zulu)

PeaceWarrior.

My 14th Marathon/Party

On Saturday November 13. Four days after my 53rd birthday I ran my 14th marathon, the SunTrust Richmond Marathon in Virginia. My 'baby' daughter always complained that she has not been able to see me run a marathon and be there to support me; so I decided to select a marathon based on where she was. You see, my 'baby' is now a sophomore at University of Richmond, Va. I heard a lot of good things about this marathon from ERC members who have (most of them) PRd in this race. 

So I was eagerly looking forward to having a good time. Which is  in itself unusual for me because I normally take just getting to the finish line of a marathon very seriously. If you ever saw my face during a 26.2 mile run, you'd think I was a Supreme Court Judge about to pass sentence on some deviant! I leave my celebrating to  a few days after I cross the finish line, when I regain feeling in my legs!

This time I tried something new...a friend invited me to a party that very Saturday night in Newark and I said I'd be there to support the launching of her non-profit organization. It meant driving the 5-6hrs back to NJ immediately after the race and being on my feet for the evening - unheard of in the past! 

I'm fond of telling people that being able to run a marathon is all in the head, just tell yourself you can do it, then go do it! So I told myself I can recover in time to go party!

It was a perfect day for running. I got to downtown Richmond around 7am with my support crew, Faye and daughter Andrea and was able to park for $3.00 in a 4-story parking lot just one block from the start line! (I love smaller marathons). The temperature was around 48 degrees but warmed up quickly to about 55-60 degrees as the sun came up. The start was very well organized with the 8k, half-marathon and marathon starting right on time with 30 minute intervals. I met fellow ERC Tracey Keller at the start and we agreed to run together as we had similar end-time goals. I said I would be sooo happy if I could break 4 1/2 hours. (my previous time was 4:53 at Philly last year). For the first time in a marathon I was forced to stop and use the porter john....at 2 1/2 miles! And I have not seen Tracey since! I had to stop again at mile 9. 

For the first 13 miles I was chatting with any and everyone, stopping on the first of two bridges to take pictures and singing at the top of my voice to one of my favorite songs by Peter Tosh' playing by a roadside DJ, 'Get Up Stand Up, stand up for your rights'. I felt great and was thoroughly enjoying myself. I crossed the half-way at 2:09. When I hit mile 20 with no cramps at all (a major problem for me in the previous two marathons) I said to myself "save some for the finish John, so far, so good". I crossed mile 24, at 4:00 and felt good. I thought the best part of the race was the last 400 yds...it was all down hill! I was able to lift up my head and lift up my chest and lift up my knees, and pump my fists sprinting to the finish passing at least 20 people!!!  My Garmin watch said 4:25 I thought "Awesome" and It felt good. Official time was 4:29:47 due to my two pit stops and partying along the route.

Oh yes I made it to the party that night in Newark NJ at 8:45pm. Goals met!

p.s. I was also very inspired by a runner I met Dana Casanave, who was running her 45th marathon this year! Her goal is to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks raising funds for orphaned children in South Africa. She also planned to run another marathon the very next day on Sunday 14th, in Pennsylvania. Read her blog at http://www.52beginnings.com/

Next up for me, New Jersey Marathon, May 1st 2011.

Be Well,

The Harv,

PeaceWarrior. 

Will's Wisdom

The Great Invocation

VERY IMPORTANT RECALL!

VERY IMPORTANT RECALL!
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect has been technically termed, "Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality," or more commonly known as "SIN".
Some of the symptoms of this serious defect are:

1. Loss of direction
2. Lack of peace and joy
3. Depression or confusion in the mental component
4. Foul vocal emissions
5. Selfish, violent behavior
6. Amnesia of origin
7. Fearfulness
8. Rebellion

To correct this SIN defect, the Manufacturer, Who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service FREE OF CHARGE.
The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs.  There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.  Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.  Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Kindness
5. Goodness
6. Faithfulness
7. Gentleness
8. Patience
9. Self-control

Please see the operating manual, the HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes.  As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to all repaired units direct monitoring and assistance from the resident Maintenance Technician, the Holy Spirit.  Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up residence on the premises.
WARNING:Continuing to operate the human being unit without making these corrections voids the Manufacturer's warranty, exposing the unit to many dangers and problems and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.



For free emergency service, call on JESUSThank you for your attention!~ author unknown ~






“All thoughts, all passions, all delights, whatever stirs this mortal frame, all are but ministers of love, and feed his sacred flame.”

~ 

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Be well,

PeaceWarrior.

Sian Welch & Wendy Ingraham - The Crawl - 1997

This is absolutely amazing!
This is why I bow down in total respect for ANYONE who completes an Ironman Triathlon!!!
Can you push yourself to this limit?  'Nuff respect to Sian and Wendy.


An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike and a marathon (26 miles 385 yards, 42.195 km) run, raced in that order and without a break. Most Ironman events have a strict time limit of 17 hours to complete the race,

“I run because it’s my passion, and not just a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I’m going where I’m going and I’m already focused on that special place where I find my peace and solitude.Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise... it's a consistent reward for victory!”

maalanyc  Sasha Azevedo quotes (American Actress, Athlete and Model)

Be well,
PeaceWarrior

Humanity's Team Global Rhythm Circle for Oneness

I received this on Facebook, it is soooo right up my street, I just had to share it! 

Wear Your Passion!

“When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible."


Be well
PeaceWarrior.


  

Read a Good Book.

I just finished reading a very interesting book titled, The True Power of Water: Healing and Discovering Ourselves by Masaru Emoto. It was an easy and profound read. In fact with just 180 pages it was one of few books that I began and finished the same day. I'm so proud of myself! 


Mr. Emoto conducted many years of research on the unique properties of water. He succeeded only after many failed attempts to capture photographs of water crystals; as he says, it was his passion that fueled the team to keep trying. The thousands of photographs of water crystals that he was eventually able to obtain and record shows the effects we all have on water, not only what we drink but also the water that makes up 70% of the human body and what happens to that water as we interact with each other as well as its ability to improve your health and your life. 
Emoto's research has visually captured the structure of water at the moment of freezing and through high-speed photography he has shown the direct consequences of destructive thoughts and the thoughts of love and appreciation on the formation of water crystals. The revelation that thoughts can influence water has profound implications for our health and the well-being of the planet.
"In 2005 the United Nations announced the start of the Decade of Water. It is our individual responsibility to learn all we can about water, the most precious resource  on our planet, and to help shift the consciousness through our thoughts, through our words and prayers, and through our commitment to respect each other with love and gratitude. May our understanding of water help bring peace to all humankind." Masaru Emoto.

Examples of photos by Masaru Emoto.

Now I'm reading another good book written by a friend of mine, Chris Curran titled "Leap Beyond Your Limits" I'll share what it's about at a later date.




Only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things. 
-- Denis Diderot

Be well,
PeaceWarrior.

On Reason and Passion

On this Labor Day holiday, my wife Faye and I were on the road by 7:00am heading out to support our team mates at Essex Running Club to co-host the annual Verona  5K Labor Day Classic race. One of the most valuable things anyone can give, is their time, and the rewards are immeasurable. The gift of our time today was well rewarded by seeing the effort and passion on the faces of the runners. Runners of all ages, from 5 years to over 70 years, as they crossed the finish line, the expression on their faces speaking volumes. Looks of sheer joy, determination, grit, relief, pain. 

But mostly joy in completing a challenge they set for themselves. I, unfortunately could not run, as this is day 4 of my one-leggedness. (The brace on my leg has to remain on for two full weeks!) And it is my own challenge to obey my doctors orders to sit still and keep my leg elevated. However, following this worthwhile charity fundraising event we did relax at the New Community Corp. picnic. Another good cause, to raise funds for education scholarships. With my foot properly elevated this time, we were able to enjoy a perfect 80 degree sunny day under the shade with good friends and reminisce.  It got me to think of the enlightening words of the great Kahlil Gibran, whom I call a 'poet for the Soul' It is his words on reason and passion that follow enjoy:

Volunteers Faye and Joan.

"Your soul is oftentimes a battlefield, upon which your reason and your judgment wage war against your passion and your appetite.

Passing on the passion.

Would that I could be the peacemaker in your soul, that I might turn the discord and the rivalry of your elements into oneness and melody.
But how shall I, unless you yourselves be also the peacemakers, nay, the lovers of all your elements?

Your reason and your passion are the rudder and the sails of your seafaring soul. If either your sails or your rudder be broken, you can but toss and drift, or else be held at a standstill in mid-seas.
For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion, that it may sing;
And let it direct your passion with reason, that your passion may live through its own daily resurrection, and like the phoenix rise above its own ashes.

I would have you consider your judgment and your appetite even as you would two loved guests in your house.
Surely you would not honour one guest above the other; for he who is more mindful of one loses the love and the faith of both.

Among the hills, when you sit in the cool shade of the white poplars, sharing the peace and serenity of distant fields and meadows -- then let your heart say in silence, "God rests in reason."
And when the storm comes, and the mighty wind shakes the forest, and thunder and lightning proclaim the majesty of the sky -- then let your heart say in awe, "God moves in passion."
And since you are a breath in God's sphere, and a leaf in God's forest, you too should rest in reason and move in passion."

Be well,

PeaceWarrior.

p.s. Thanks to Chris Jaworski for the pictures.

                

Make Up Your Mind & Create Your Future.

Make Up Your Mind & Create Your Future, or put another way, the way you make your bed determines how you lie on it. I'd like to share with you the words I use to take charge of my life and to, 'make my bed'.

My One Command.

 Grounded

I am Grounded in faith. I am rooted in the planet that provides my nourishment, provides an anchor, and helps me to remain in a state of balanced sanity as I proceed on my journey.

Alignment

I am Aligned; my Body, my Mind and my Soul are in proper balance, blended in musical harmony creating a beautiful symphony.

Go To Theta

I go to Theta daily; in prayer and meditation to slow down my mental vibrations. I am in communication with who I am. I obey the mantra, Be still &  know thyself!

Center of The One Command

After the necessary work,

I enter the Center of the One Command at my core

Where my Universe awaits my Command

My Command is

I don’t know how, but ALL my good, ALL my Blessings are coming to me RIGHT NOW.

Including abundant financial resources for my Transfiguration Scholarship Fund.

my Light Of Pearl Foundation and my own personal accounts.

Expansion

My Universe expands with the Blessings received upon my command.

I expand and share all the good, all the blessings with all in my Universe

With a will to serve.

Gratitude

I am bestowed with the gift of Gratitude,

The Key which unlocks all blessings.

I am filled with Gratitude

I express

Eternal Gratitude

For all that is, all that has been & all that will be.

Selah

Praise God for His mercy, power, sustaining grace and sufficiency.

I developed this after reading Asara Lovejoy's beautiful book The One Command. If you would like to read more on how to take command of your life and create your future, See link below.

Be well,

PeaceWarrior.

So, my namesake, Earl the Category 4 'monster' storm apparently split in two before it hit the US and weakened to a Cat 1 hurricane yesterday. This had people all along the east coast, including here in New Jersey, breathing a sigh of relief. It has been almost 200 years since a major storm has hit NJ. See http://www.hurricaneville.com/1821_hurricane.htm
But those of you who know me, also know that's not how I do things. I insist on finishing what I start, and the more challenging the better. That's why I run marathons. And as a friend of mine Molly, who roasted me in a recent Toastmasters (http://www.toastmasters83.org/) speech contest said, "Be careful, if you sit next to John in a meeting, his enthusiasm is highly contagious" So if you're doing anything, start with passion, end with passion, it's the only way.

Passion is universal humanity.  Without it religion, history, romance and art would be useless.  ~Honoré de Balzac


Be well.
PeaceWarrior.


The Prophet (Gibran's Masterpiece), Boxed Set, in Slipcase

The Story of The One-Legged Blogger Begins

Once upon a time, a little over two months ago, and two weeks after the Wellness committee at my workplace began a holistic health drive in the form of a company-wide competition called 'The Game-On Challenge' (more on this at a later date) my left knee became as swollen as a watermelon! As part of the competition, I'd set two main goals; 
1) to lose 10lbs over 3 months and 
2) to run a 5K race in 24 minutes or less. This would have been a 90 second improvement on my previous best time. 
There was no sudden impact, fall or strain that brought on the swelling, I awoke one morning and there it was, this melon on my knee! So what did I do? I had set myself a goal to run faster and lose weight, what was I to do with a melon on one leg, the additional water weight and lots of pain? I'll tell you what I did. I waited a few days for the swelling to go down, then ran in the cross-country 5K series in Boonton NJ. 
Hey my goals are important to me!
Jumping forward in time and four 5K races later, an MRI done on my leg revealed a torn meniscus that needed attention. 
Well my knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus is behind me now (as of 11:00am this morning when I got home). It went well, I don't need crutches thank goodness, but my left leg now feels like a piece of 4x4 wood attached to my hip!  And I have to rely on my chauffeur (aka my wife Faye) to drive me to Verona on Labor Day. I hope I can be there to help in my Essex Running Club's annual 5K fundraiser, in whatever way I can! I don't plan to, in any way, resemble a couch potato! 
The Suntrust Richmond Marathon is on Nov 11, 2010 and I plan to be at the start line for my 12th marathon... Although I have settled into my favorite chair with foot atop multiple cushions placed on the coffee table. I'll keep the time watching TV down to approx one hour/day (0 hours so far!) I've got 3 books lined up to read and of course there's always relationship building on Facebook and blogging! What do you think? I know I am blessed. This brace on my leg will slow me down for 14 days, but it certainly won't stop me. There are just so many things that will keep me busy. I've talked about blogging for over a year, now it is time to blog!
So I'm counting my blessings not my cares, since I cannot bend my left leg and have to keep it elevated, I can start my new passion - on one leg. I'll be writing about things I am passionate about and we can see where we coincide. I made a list today. Please join me in this journey of passion. 
Btw the goals I set for the Game-On Challenge? I'm proud to say that I lost 10.8lbs and hit 24 minutes 11seconds for my 5K woo-hoo! The overall team results will be released next week and my team-mates & I are looking well positioned to win! Of course I'll keep you informed.


"Renew your passions daily." ~Terri Guillemets


Be well,
PeaceWarrior.