Sixteen miles yesterday; eight already this morning. As of today, I weigh less than I have in two years--still 30 pounds more than I'd like but getting better every day.
Concrete barricades guard the trailheads on the path I ride most often, placed far enough apart to allow bikers and hikers to get through but close enough to keep out ATVs and other motorized vehicles. These darn things scare me every single time. I feel too big to fit through the opening.
A week or so ago, I followed my brother-in-law through the barricades. Jim, who outweighs me by 100 pounds or so, fit through with room to spare. Logically, it follows that I would fit, too. Sadly, logic and I have little more than a passing acquaintance.
Shortly after following Jim through the barricades, I realized that I stared at the barriers as I approached and decided to concentrate on the opening instead. For two weeks, I steeled myself to watch only the open space, figuring I'd attend to what I wanted rather than what I did not.
Still squeaked through with a dangerous wobble each time.
This morning, I got the idea of focusing on the path beyond the barriers. Low and behold, I made it through with nary a bobble. I'm sure there's a cosma-rama lesson in there somewhere but don't care too much. I'm beyond the barricades now, and that's enough for today.
5 comments:
You're going to give Lance Armstrong's book a run for its money.
I'm very much enjoying the zen-like life lessons you're finding through biking. Keep 'em coming.
Love it!
I'm serious. You have a book here. Incredible insights written with humor, grace and gorgeous language.
As Bubba so often says to me, "Mind the levies." It's the big boundaries that are important. Everything in the middle is fudge-able. You are right to look at the space and not the posts.
This biking thing is such a huge lesson for you, Jerri. Thank goodness you're embracing it! Thanks for sharing your journey!
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