What's in store?

Welcome to 2021, where we think things will be turning for the best, when in reality, we have no idea but we just keep moving forward. What else are we going to do?  So how are you getting through these tough times? I think most of us have decided to write off all the BS and learn something new that will in some small way enhance our lives, or, just get us to stop focusing on all the negativity. Have you taken up a new hobby? Started a book, a blog, spent more time with your significant other or children, spent more time outside? In either case, I think what this past year has taught me was that I needed to really start changing things up a bit. 

I've been a mountain biker for many years, but this last summer I really started getting into it. To the point in fact, that I spent more time on my bike than driving, which was probably better! I completely fell in love with it again and when I wasn't biking, I was thinking about biking.  

My husband and I spent time seeking out new places to try and even our youngest got into it, which was awesome. Living in  Colorado, you are never without a place to hike or bike, that's why living here is such a treat! Biking together gave us a new sense of adventure in our marriage because its not always rainbows and sunshine when you get out there. There were times when conditions weren't always the best, and we had to rely on each other and our wits. When the weather turned cold and the trails became too sloppy, there were days when we went anyway, and boy did we regret that! Mud and ice mixed with freezing temps and clogged brakes. Fun stuff. But actually, those were some of the most fun in the sense that it really tested my will. Pushed me beyond my comfort zone and when I finally made it to the end of the trail, I was not only bruised and scraped up,  but empowered. 

Mountain biking became my outlet, and I think to some degree my reference point for just how far I could push myself. Those trails of doom that fell to the side of the mountain, the ones I rode on knowing that one small unintentional jerk could send me rolling down that cliff, end over end, feet and bike spokes enmeshed.  The agonizing grind up 2000 feet with no end in sight, wondering if my legs and lungs would give out before I got to the top. And finally, the satisfaction of knowing that I finally made it to the top of a peak that, at one point, I would stare up at and admire, wondering if I would ever defeat it. But, I took it one ride at a time, going further and further, pushing myself just a little bit more. Some days crying through the pain, wanting to give up and drop my bike right there. I stayed on, looked toward the goal,  and finally made it to the top. 
So, as I go into 2021, I think of it like that mountain I climbed, the peak I never thought I could conquer. One day at a time, pushing myself even when I don't want to be pushed. Even on those days when I want to stay complacent, moving forward is what gets us to the top of the peak.

Take care and Namaste
 

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