avatarRasheed Hooda

Summary

Rasheed Hooda reflects on the unforeseen changes to his plans during a break from walking Route 66, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, community support, and gratitude.

Abstract

Rasheed Hooda's journey along Route 66 was interrupted when he took a break to participate in Eid-al-Adha celebrations in Houston. However, due to the lunar calendar's influence on Islamic holidays, the celebrations were rescheduled, which affected his plans to twist balloons for children at the House of Congregation. Despite the initial setback, Rasheed chose to work on the rescheduled festivities, which coincided with a less profitable Sunday due to a Houston Texans game and the 9/11 anniversary. Nevertheless, he remained optimistic, finding blessings in the opportunity to serve his community and earn more than he would have while walking. Rasheed's experience reinforces the idea that one's impact may be more profound than immediately visible, and he encourages others to persevere in their endeavors.

Opinions

  • Rasheed values the importance of community and the joy of serving others, as evidenced by his willingness to adapt his plans to benefit his community.
  • He maintains a positive outlook, even when circumstances do not align with his expectations, suggesting that a flexible mindset is key to finding contentment.
  • Rasheed believes in the significance of his work, whether it's walking Route 66 or twisting balloons, and acknowledges that its impact may not always be

WALKING ROUTE 66

When You are Forced to Change Plans

Keep calm, and count your blessings.

I weighed 184.7 when I started walking Route 66© Rasheed Hooda.

When I took a break from walking and came down to Houston, the plan was to twist balloons for the kids at Jamat Khana (House of Congregation) on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha.

Islamic holidays are based on an actual lunar calendar. In other words, they depend on the monthly lunar cycle, and traditionally, relies on the visual sighting of the New Moon.

The projected date for Eid-al-Adha in 2016, when I was on my cross country walk was September, 11, based on astronomical calculation. However, since they were not able to sight a New Moon when anticipated, the Eid was celebrated on the 12th.

I had already bought the ticket and made plans to be in Houston, so here I was. Initially, the Eid would have been on a Sunday, and they planned the festivities accordingly. But, since Eid ended up being on Monday, and the kids had to be in school, there were no festivities anymore.

Well, when I was in town, I worked all day on Sundays, and that’s what I decided to do. I usually make excellent money on Sundays. However, this day not only happened to be 9/11, but it also was the first home game of the season for the Houston Texans, and everyone was either at the stadium or home glued to the TV set.

Needless to say, I didn’t make as much money as I was used to earning on Sundays, but hey, I made more money than I would have if I were on the road walking. Count your blessings anyway you can, that’s what I say.

As I think back and ponder.

Not only was I able to take a break, but I also had the opportunity to serve my community that was so supportive of my efforts. As Bill Gosset reminded me, the blessing is in the giving.

Many of my regular customers at the restaurant where I was twisting wanted to know where I had been. You never know how much people appreciate what you do until you return after being AWOL. It was a truly uplifting experience to know that not only people enjoyed what I did, but also they cared about me as a person.

As writers, we often wonder if what we’re doing has any effect in the world. I want you to know whether you see any visible signs of it or not, you are making an impact on this world. Keep going.

Stay blessed and be happy, my friends.

Day 54: Not as Planned. (Original blog post).

Just for fun.

This is not me, but I figured it.

I invite you to tag along if you’re up to it. I am mentioning a few friends who may be interested in it. If you are tagged but don’t want to read my stories daily, let me know in the comments, and I will remove your name moving forward. If you are reading this and aren’t included in the list below, but you’d like to come along, let me know so that I can add you.

Michele Amy Trista Henery Timothy Tim P.G. Sherry Saloni Indra B. A. Linda Sharon Tree Linda Britni Desiree Elisabeth Simona Kristin Helen Julia Chris Rosennab Tom Truenorth Agnes Aurora LauraRaduenz Catherine Joe Stuart Gurpreet BFoundAPen Margie Bob NaNa’sworld Wolfie Rebecca Susannah

As always, thank you for reading and responding.

Here are some of my other stories:

Graphic created by Rasheed Hooda using Canva

Rasheed Hooda is a published author who has contributed to many of Medium’s top Publications; The Startup, The Ascent, P.S. I Love You, Rogues’ Gallery, and ILLUMINATION, to name a few. He is also a Top Writer for several topics. If you like his work, buy him a coffee, he drinks a lot of it.

Travel
Route 66
This Happened To Me
Life Lessons
Self
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