I took off on two wheels this morning for the first time in years. And it was as freakin' awesome as I remember it.
It was 5:20 a.m., and I decided I wouldn't take my usual early a.m. walk. I wanted to ride. I hopped on my daughter's lavender trick bike that I bought at a church garage sale a few years ago. It fits me perfectly. (Not sure if that's a good thing or just a weird thing considering I'm 46 years old and easily ride a kid bike.) Yeah, I pedaled around my neighborhood at 5 a.m. on a kids bike. A tad surprised no one called our cop.
We're transitioning into summer in the Midwest, so the mornings are a cool 55-60 degrees. I pumped my legs and faced the first hill. It's a much steeper incline when you're on a bike. I had to stand up and push hard to make it to the top. But, I did it! Can't say the same for the other hills I met, where I had to hop and walk it up. Just like old times.
At one point, I had a good down hill run. I willed myself to let go and coast, two traits that go against my very nature. As I picked up speed, I felt that familiar rush I had as a kid. Speed, Freedom. Bravery. Invincibility, Happiness. All was right with the world for just those few moments. But the final hill before I hit home, was the biggest of all. I had to hop off the bike and push it up the hill. I struggled.
That's been my Real Reality for awhile. A few moments of feeling all is right with the world, and a whole lot of pushing and struggling. That's life, right? But, it's OK. I know if I just stay strong, lay low, keep my head up and my mouth shut when it counts the most (easier said than done), those down hill, cool breeze times aren't far away.
How about you? How's your ride through life going?
Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.
