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Life

Safe Travels: Navigating the Roads with Care

Anthony Dixon

A twelve-hour road trip can be the most exhilarating and essential journey for your emotional well-being. It’s a chance to break free, explore, and rejuvenate. However, it can also be fraught with hazards, turning our pursuit of freedom into a perilous adventure. As Steppenwolf famously sang, “Looking for adventure and whatever comes our way.” This sentiment captures the essence of road travel – the gateway to opportunity and wealth in America began with our ability to move.

The roads themselves are marvels of engineering, capable of taking us up mountains or through tunnels carved into the earth. They connect distant points, allowing us to reach the previously unreachable. Yet, it is not the roads that are inherently dangerous; it is the drivers who make them so. The design of these pathways includes all necessary precautions, with clear signage and carefully considered routes. It’s up to us, the drivers, to heed these warnings and navigate them safely.

The fallen worker

In one of my previous blogs, “The Weakest Part of the Car,” I highlighted that the most fragile component of any vehicle is the person behind the wheel. Defensive driving is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity. It’s the difference between life and death, between a safe arrival and a tragic accident. It means respecting traffic signs, understanding the limitations of your vehicle, and always prioritizing safety over speed.

For instance, speeding to escape a bad traffic pattern may seem like a good idea at the moment, but it can lead to disastrous consequences. You might feel the need to show off your engine’s power, but without the skills to manage it properly, you’re putting everyone on the road at risk. Effective driving is about using your engine wisely, maintaining control, and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Throughout my extensive road trips, some lasting up to twenty hours, I’ve learned the value of life and the importance of rationality behind the wheel. The road is not a place for reckless behavior or impulsive decisions. Every moment of carelessness endangers not just your life but also the lives of others who are trying to get home to their loved ones.

One poignant reminder of this is the “Fallen Workers Monument” deep in the mountains of West Virginia. During a stop at a rest area, I was drawn to a striking statue of a highway worker holding up a stop sign. On the pedestal were the names of over twenty fallen workers, a stark reminder of the consequences of carelessness.

So, as you embark on your next road trip, remember: the roads are not dangerous; it’s the driver who makes them so. Be the driver who respects the journey, values life, and prioritizes safety above all else. After all, the road to freedom and adventure should always lead us back home safely.

Roadside Grave
Life

Excerpts from my Book; Through Her Eyes: Revised

Anthony Dixon

Years later, my journey led me to South Carolina, where I crossed paths with an extraordinary woman named Flo. Despite the significant age gap, Flo became one of my many bosses in the realm of a bustling kitchen, where I worked as a Line Cook for a prominent Hospitality Company. Her name, like a gentle breeze, hinted at the graceful and fluid way she managed both the kitchen and interpersonal relationships.

Within the confines of the culinary chaos, Flo not only valued my culinary presentations but also embraced me for who I was as a person. Her ability to appreciate people beyond superficial differences, transcending the barriers of age and color, left a lasting impression on me. In her, I found a reflection of the open-minded and loving qualities reminiscent of another remarkable person in my life – Sherry.

In documenting my experiences, I couldn’t help but mention Flo in the pages of my book. She was a shining example of someone who saw beyond the surface, much like Sherry. Flo’s character and approach to life echo the sentiment captured in Elton John’s lyrics, “How wonderful life is when you are in the world.” Her openness and love for others have left an indelible mark on my journey.

Recalling my mother’s advice to seek out the amazing ten-percent in life, meeting individuals like Flo has become the guiding force of my existence. Flo’s indelible presence has reaffirmed the beauty of diversity and the richness it brings to our lives, fostering a deep appreciation for the extraordinary individuals who grace our paths. In the grand tapestry of existence, it’s crucial for individuals to acknowledge the inevitability of life’s conclusion. The essence lies in cherishing the moments with one another during our brief sojourn on this planet. Amidst the complexities of life, it becomes evident that beyond the superficialities of frills and fanfare, the true significance lies in the shared experiences and connections forged with fellow beings. Regret, often a companion in reflection, arises from the delayed realization that the paramount pursuit should be the enjoyment of each other’s company. This revelation serves as a poignant and thought-provoking exploration, urging individuals to grasp the essence of existence and embrace the profound joy found in the company of others. living each day in the turmoil of hate, only robs the precious time given on this Earth. 

Daily writing prompt
Share a story about someone who had a positive impact on your life.
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Ambition, America, Autobiography, Bio, Black History, Dr King, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Helpful Conversations, Inclusion, Life, Motivation, Self help

Through Her Eyes: Revised

Anthony Dixon
Interactive photos

Chapter Two

Same but different.

Jay always professed himself to be my brother, but he was no brother of mine. Mother died without me giving her credit for her perception of my so-called best friend, whom I considered my brother. She had constantly hammered at me, ‘He is no good; lose him.’ Hard-headed as I was, I stuck with him to the edge of calamity. We were inseparable, as tight as Abbott and Costello, and in almost every class together. After school, we took the Number Four train, where we did our homework to Forty-second Street. From there, we walked to 666 5th Ave, where we worked full-time at a five-star restaurant. There, we jockeyed positions as pastry chefs and grill chefs.

Going to school and working full-time was very taxing, but we didn’t care; it put good money in our pockets which allowed us to dress like pimps and party like we were rich and famous. Besides textbooks, we only read Gentleman’s Quarterly, the leading fashion magazine for men,  Ebony and Jet magazines. We dressed G.Q. going to school; we wouldn’t be caught dead with holes in our jeans; only the poor haters came to school with holes in their clothes. We dressed better than our teachers, who thought we were uppity; we were hated by blacks and whites, all thinking that we were uppity and drug dealers. We had the most extraordinary weed connections; one worked for the airlines and traveled the world; we smoked a lot of it but never sold any. 

America, Autobiography, Bio, Black History, Dr King, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Helpful Conversations, Inclusion, Life, Religion

Through Her Eyes: Revised

Anthony Dixon

Book description #2
“In the Shadows of Hate: A Journey of Love and Redemption” is an extraordinary tale that delves deep into the realms of human emotions, exploring the eternal struggle between love and hate. Set in a world consumed by hatred and darkness, this poignant story follows the transformative journey of one man as he navigates through the tumultuous landscapes of prejudice and discrimination, ultimately discovering the redemptive power of love. In this gripping narrative, the author skillfully weaves a tapestry of raw emotions, unveiling the destructive consequences of hatred and the transformative potential of love. The book illuminates the profound need for love, understanding, empathy, and inclusion through vivid and evocative storytelling in our fractured society. At its core, “In the Shadows of Hate ” is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, encouraging readers to see life through the eyes of others. It challenges the reader to suspend judgment, look beyond appearances and stereotypes, and embrace diverse experiences’ complexity and richness. The story is a poignant reminder that understanding and compassion can only be achieved by walking a mile in another person’s shoes. With each chapter, the author draws readers deeper into the protagonist’s world, painting a vivid portrait of his internal struggles as he confronts the relentless hate that threatens to engulf him. As the story unfolds, readers witness the power of love as it gradually erodes the barriers of prejudice and bigotry, illuminating a path toward healing and reconciliation. Through compelling characters and gripping plot twists, the author exposes the devastating impact of hate on individuals and communities, leaving no room for complacency or indifference. In the face of adversity, the protagonist’s journey becomes a beacon of hope, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for love to conquer even the darkest corners of our world. “In the Shadows of Hate: A Journey of Love and Redemption” is a profound and profoundly moving exploration of the human capacity for both good and evil. It challenges readers to examine their beliefs and biases, encouraging introspection and fostering greater empathy and understanding. This book offers a compelling testament by spotlighting the universal need for love and its transformative power.”

Life

Imparting Knowledge

Anthony Dixon

Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often?

I have many quotes that I live by; my favorite comes from none other than Albert Einstein. ‘It’s a fool that does things the same way, each time looking for different results.’ This quote resonates with me because it highlights the importance of adaptation and innovation in achieving success.


My next favorite is an original by me, ‘If you have lived long enough to grow old, and you have nothing in the way of teaching and learning to pass on to the next generation, you have only existed, not truly lived.’ This quote underscores my belief that a meaningful life involves not just personal achievement, but also the sharing of knowledge and wisdom with others.

The reason for this belief is that some people can be incredibly skilled or successful in their endeavors, yet fail as teachers or communicators. For example, a media mogul tasked with training a new employee might respond with hostility, viewing the newcomer as a threat to their position rather than an opportunity to share their expertise. However, true greatness lies in being able to pass on one’s knowledge and skills to others, thus multiplying their impact on the world.

I believe that if you are truly good at something, you should be eager to teach others, as imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. For instance, if I discover a way to turn fifteen cents into a dollar, I should be enthusiastic about sharing this knowledge with others, thereby making the world a better place.

In closing, another favorite quote of mine is, ‘If you can’t leave the world in a better condition, then leave it the way you found it.’ This quote reminds me of the importance of leaving a positive legacy and making a difference in the world during our time here.”