I thought I would share with you the lessons I learned while I was biking the trail, because I think they can be helpful if you are stepping out on a venture or journey.
The first lesson: Be prepared for discomfort
When we go for an adventure, step off on a new journey or pathway.
We should be prepared for some discomfort.
When we are unsure of what lies ahead, how many hills we will climb, bumpy patches or twists and turns the road will take, we just have to start out and take them in our stride.
Being prepared helped somewhat when I rode the rail trail. I had my padded bike shorts and I expected there would be some bumps and bruises along the way and there was. But the thing is, it wasn’t too bad and the thrill and satisfaction of finishing the days’ trail made up for any discomfort I was feeling at the time. A hot shower, warm dinner and time relaxing with friends and I was ready for another day.
Lesson two: Expect excitement and the thrill of accomplishment as you step outside your comfort zone.
Just as you should expect some discomfort, you can also expect excitement and the thrill of accomplishment as you step outside your comfort zone and reach for new goals. Living a deep meaningful and rewarding life calls on you to step outside your comfort zone, and to stretch yourself.
Each day I would get on my bike and set off in anticipation and a little unsure of what challenges would lie ahead. At the end of each day as I cycled toward our next accommodation a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment would settle around me. The sharing of stories of the days’ adventures and discussions of what was ahead for the next day would fill me with excitement.
Lesson three: Pace Yourself
A good piece of advise I would give as you set off on a new journey is to pace yourself. Set off at a steady pace that you can maintain while still enjoying and taking in your surroundings. If you go too fast, be too impatient, you will miss important sights, and special moments. In the rush and anguish of “getting there” – reaching your destination, you miss the joy in the journey itself. Be present with the moment, enjoy each part of the day, each part of the trail and the company along the way.
By pacing yourself you will make it up the long slow inclines more easily and when you do reach your destination at the end of the day you will be able to enjoy and explore your new surroundings, socialize with others and enjoy the evening ahead much more than if you are too tired to even hold you head up.
And the Final lesson: Don’t carry too much baggage.
I took along just the essentials. The thought of moving a heavy bag around all week did not appeal, and on top of that we had a weight limit.
Carrying too much crap around is hard work. What do you carry around that is no longer serving you? Let go of the past that no longer supports your future.
It is so much easier to move around with less baggage. That includes clearing out around your house, your office, and anywhere else where an accumulation of stuff is getting in your way. Clear it out and you will feel better and be able to think more clearly.
Just take along what you really need, what will serve you well for your adventure? Leave superfluous stuff behind, as you move forward on your journey. Carry a lighter load, enjoy not having to lug extra gear or sort through piles of baggage to find things. You will find, everything will be there at your finger tips – just what you need.
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