Clarksville, TN – It’s early in the morning as I sip fresh coffee and reflect on the past several weeks of my life. The pain and discomfort. The constant replay of my accident. The “what ifs” and “what could’ve, should’ve happened.”
That’s how the brain works. That’s just human nature. “Wow, I could have died, maybe I should quit riding, that was close!”
From the moment we were born, we’ve been told “NO” or “Don’t do that.” We’re taught that we can’t and not “yes you can.” I’m guessing the older we get the more we realize that life comes at you fast and you just have to take it as it comes and enjoy it to the fullest. If that means I’m a biker, understanding the risks and willing to conclude that this is how I might go out, then so be it.
This ISN’T a rehearsal, this is the REAL THING!
I’ve had a lot of time to think about my life lately. The good, the bad, and definitely, the ugly. Too much time on your hands can give the brain permission to keep you down, to depress you, to reaffirm that “No, don’t do that!”
I’m here to tell you that I’ve been there, done that,and life is beautiful and you should NEVER second guess yourself about anything that brings you joy and fulfillment. The decision to buy a motorcycle and travel was one of the greatest things I’ve ever done.
I have no intention of quitting. Regardless of how close I came to dying, or how much it hurt. To fold up camp now would disrespect the decision I made four years ago to take this journey.
Now that we’re in the holiday season, we’re surrounded by blessings and joy that we need to embrace and realize that this all happens for a reason. There are life moments we have that are here by the grace of God to remind us that life is good and we should take it all in.
I also realize that this time of the year is NOT particularly festive for so many people. We’re surrounded by reminders of why we should be happy and joyful, yet we’re not.
Why is that?
I think we judge our happiness on the happiness of others and we should never compare ourselves to anybody. We’re all different and we’ve charted our own course and it’s up to us to navigate our life and make good decisions, but more importantly, to realize and accept all of the things that make us wonderful and happy.
Remind yourself that you’re healthy and productive, and if you’re not, then switch course and make those changes. That’s the blessing you have and nobody else will do it for you.
So if you struggle, just remind yourself of how great you are, how great you’ve been, and look forward to the life moments you will have. Give yourself that “pep” talk that we all need from time to time. Spend time with your closest biker buddies, or family. Fellow veterans and warriors. Heroes and superstars!
It’s all there, you just have to go get it.
I’ve been as down as one can get, yet here I am. I’ve conquered every single one of my “worst days ever” and yet, here I am.
So are you my friend. So embrace the season and remind yourself that you’re here for a reason and we ALL need each other to be our best.
Merry Christmas to you, and thanks for following my journey. You lift me up each and every day.
