Lori Bell pedals a bicycle around the United States in order to create a much-needed discussion on America’s continual participation in wars: she pedals for peace.
Bell, 49, single, and having taken a non-traditional path in her life and work career—decided America needs a discussion about how to operate in the world by forming what might be called a whole new concept: transform toward peace in the world.
Over 50 years ago, the United States jumped into Korea without provocation of any kind. During Vietnam, peace demonstrators chanted, “Give peace a chance.”
John Lennon sang “Imagine there’s no countries; It isn’t hard to do, Nothing to kill or die for; And no religion too; Imagine all the people, Living life in peace.”
As I pedaled up behind Ms. Bell north of Solana Beach, California, I couldn’t help seeing she carried a heavily loaded touring bicycle.
No small feat for a man, but for a 5’5” woman carrying over 100 pounds of gear offers challenges in the big mountains like few other athletic endeavors.
Her sign said it all: “The Blue Turtle – Pedaling for Peace.” Access her on Facebook: Lori L. Bell.
“You’ve taken on quite a quest,” I said drawing even with her.
“I am Pedaling for Peace in support of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation,” Bell said.
“To me, Pedaling for Peace is a great metaphor for what is necessary to bring significant change to the world in the face of very powerful forces. For instance, human societies the world over have been dominated by the Military Industrial Complex and the attitude that conflicts can be resolved through waging war. By riding my bicycle across the country, and sharing what I have to share, I feel I am doing what I can do to make a difference, and I hope to inspire others to do what they can do as well to make the world a better, safer, more peaceful place for all beings.”
“What successes have you enjoyed thus far and what other successes do you expect and why?” I asked.
“I feel that every contact I make,” said Bell, “every business card I hand to a curious stranger, every contribution I receive, and every mile I pedal is a little success that will ultimately contribute to the success of my personal goal as a cyclist of establishing my own geographically continuous route across the country under my own power and the greater goal of the NAPF to eliminate nuclear weapons and in so doing to bring more security and peace to the world.”
“How long do you expect to pedal for peace?”
“From the beginning, in June 2011, when I voluntarily walked away from my ‘cushy government job’ at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, I have taken this new Life-Course one moment at a time!”
“What do you get out of this experience?”
“I am getting the chance to challenge myself in a unique way and I find that I really enjoy this level of challenge,” said Bell.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with many wonderful people as well as seeing the physical beauty of this country in a very up close and personal way. I’m staying healthy and happy and feel that I am on purpose with my life-work. What more could anyone ask for?”
Citizens around the globe understand the futility of war. Lori Bell stands with the female greats of history who dove into their passions, led others to speak their own truths and inspired countless people along the way. Each of us, engaging our own actions, must transform the human race beyond the paradigm of war and, as Bell explains, learn instead to “Wage Peace”.
Read more posts by Frosty Wooldridge here. Frosty is a blogger for JenningsWire.
The post is presented by the National Publicist, Annie Jennings of the NYC based PR Firm, Annie Jennings PR. Annie Jennings PR specializes in marketing books for getting authors booked on radio talk show interviews, TV shows in major online and in high circulation magazines and newspapers. Annie also works with speaker and experts to build up powerful platforms of credibility and influence.
