So, I rode my bike today. No big thang. 

Although it was. 

You see, I got that bike as a birthday gift 3 years ago, hoping to get into shape. I thought that if I did something I loved doing, it would be easy to exercise on a regular basis.

 Ha! I am a comedian. 

I enjoyed riding the bike on the flat part of the bike trail, near our home and sometimes a little farther. But you see, there was this hill I had to ride up before I could enjoy the flat part. And, unfortunately, I always ended up walking my bike. I could never seem to get up that hill. 

Grrrrrr. 

I had been riding the bike faithfully for a few weeks…why couldn’t I just ride up the damn hill?

 Well, for one, I was out of shape. Probably in the worst shape of my life. I was about 40 pounds heavier than I am today, and I really didn’t eat well. I also didn’t truly work out. I mean, you can’t ride a bike once a week for 20 minutes, or walk the dog casually and expect great results. 

So, I changed. 

I joined a crossfit gym, then started eating clean, then continued to change my life, in all sorts of unexpected ways. 

There’s obviously a lot more in between, but you get the picture. 

I was able to get up that hill, last summer, for the first time ever. At the top of the hill (it’s more of an incline, and if you saw it, you’d think I was pathetic)…I was elated. 

I did it. I conquered the hill!

There’s a lot of symbolism with this story as you can tell. 

The climb is always hardest just before it gets level, the feeling of exhilaration when you reach a goal(the top), I could go on. But, I won’t. 

I know you get it. But, in order to change or excel…you really need to get it💥

So, back to today.

 Almost 3 summers ago, I started taking control over my health, my strength and my life. And as I was riding my bike today, in the beautiful sunshine, I felt JOY. I felt free, like I was flying. 

I always Listen to music as I ride, as it takes me even farther away. Today, the song “Somewhere over the rainbow” came on. 

I smiled as big as a young child as the phrase, “Someday I’ll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me” played. I was riding that bike, with the wind in my face,  thinking of how far I have come. 

No more soaking through my clothes, having to stop halfway and turn back, no huffing, just freedom. I also noted that I hadn’t given up on ME. 

I can’t exactly put into words the pride I felt at that moment, when I realized I had fought so hard for what I wanted, where I wanted to be…physically and mentally. 

And now, this is me. 

The bike, the hill, the struggles in between. 

We are meant to be where we are at this very moment for a specific reason. 

My gratitude for the climb is endless. 

I will ride again tomorrow.

 I WILL go farther. 

I WILL go faster. 

And those clouds?

 From now on, they WILL stay far behind me. 

Go after what you want, friends. 

We all have to start at the Beginning….🌈
Much love,

Linda ❤