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The Bike Ride of A Lifetime

Hey Everyone!

Thanks again for stopping by and showing your support.

Over the last few weeks, one of the things that have been on my mind rather frequently has been the concept of being a strong person.

I have been told it is one of my more admirable traits. The more I thought about it the more I began to question what it was that people were seeing in me to make them think that about me. I would like to think I am responsible for that portion of my development, however, deep down I know such isn't the case.

So I started to ask myself: "What makes a strong person?"

While I would agree that I am a strong person, sometimes I have trouble understanding what are the qualities and characteristics that portray that sense of strength to those around me.

As funny as it is,

I came up with nothing.

However, after thinking about it some more, I thought back to probably the moment in my life that shaped my attitude and approach to life.

It was learning to ride a bike with my mom.

My mom is one of the toughest people I know. Those of you who know her would agree. Needless to say, I did not know that learning to ride a bike would be a moment I reflect on constantly. As one can assume, the first time riding a bike, it is a great time until you fall. I was riding the bike and my mom was walking a few feet behind. In an instant, I went from triumphant cyclist to a victim of gravity's pettiness. *Yes, I know that was dramatic*

Thinking that my mom would come to my rescue, I kinda just stayed there on the ground. When she got to me she looked at me to make sure there was no blood and I wasn't too badly hurt. Then she said what will probably be with me for the rest of my life. She said, "pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try it again."

Naturally, at the moment, it was not something I wanted to hear. It was not until later that I learned it was something I needed to hear.

At that time, I didn't really understand the importance of being able to pick yourself up. I thought she was just being mean. Little did I know what she said was something I would experience constantly.

In my opinion, this is one of the qualities that makes an individual strong. The ability to pick yourself up when you get knocked down. It isn't always easy. Some of the hits we take in life hurt a lot worse than a scraped elbow. However, it is possible despite the curveballs life throws our way.

That said, I think strength isn't about being able to dodge the hits, though if possible one definitely should. However, I think strength is about sometimes recognizing that you've been knocked down and doing what it takes to get back on your feet.

I would love to hear what you all think or in what ways do you all show strength in your day-to-day.

Thanks again for stopping by.







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