PMA

Three nights ago I ran, for my health, through the streets of Salt Lake City. I ran through Temple Square. I ran past the Conference Center. I ran slam into a memory from September 41 years ago—PMA.

There were about 30 of us, tightly stuffed into a 15X20 room. September. No air conditioning. Gangly, spindly, white-shirted, dark-tied and short-haired. We were about to leave for 2 years-plus on the adventure of our lifetime—to places like Italy, Tahiti, Argentina and Peoria, Kansas.

The veteran in the room, recently back from his adventure, placed himself at the front like a sentinel tower, and with the burning eyes of a zealot told us that there was only one thing that we needed to remember for the next 2 years—PMA.

Positive Mental Attitude. We all took copious notes. Within months, striding the streets of Argentina to good effect, I learned again and again that he was right.

So, running the streets of Utah, up the hill to the Utah state capitol building, running right through, actually, the space where we sat that night, the memory struck and stuck…again. Later, in my hotel room, I opened my email to find the day’s post from a Blog that I subscribe to—this post was entitled “Seth’s Blog:  the problem with positive thinking”. I recommend it. Googling Seth’s Blog brings it right up.

Later, from the balcony of my room, I took a night photo. The buildings in front will take less than 40 months to build; the spired/inspired one in back took 40 years. PMA.

I invite you to use the 5 guidelines below to share in this Blog your extraordinary life—both the simple and the sublime. Go ahead, take 2 minutes and post your experience as a comment:

• What made you smile today (or yesterday)?
• What brought out your PMA?
• What personal philosophy serves you well?
• What activities do you enjoy?
• Who/what has inspired you?
• What have you recently learned?