Finish Lines/Starting Lines

you know what… I totally thought this was sent out this past Monday… but somehow I never clicked send!! Happy Friday… a few days after the end counting the omer (that wrapped up on Monday night) this post references… but I ain’t perfect nor is life….so enjoy these reflections today. Happy Friday!

Do you ever make up an impromptu finish line? 

That spot where you can raise your arms and say, YAHOO I did it? 

This usually hits me when I’m biking, like last year when I biked from DC to Pittsburgh along the C&O Canal and Great Allegheny Passage. 

On that ride last year, the finish line wasn’t just arriving in Pittsburgh:

• It was arriving at the starting line in Georgetown and feeling my strength after training for 7 weeks!

• It was walking across the bridge from the C&O Canal into Harper’s Ferry on Day 1!

• It was cruising into Ohiopyle and heading to see the majestic architectural wonder of Fallingwater.

All these different ‘milestone’ points, which were finish lines and also starting lines all that once.

And I’m thinking about this right now because I serendipitously trained last year for this big 330 mile ride, as I concurrently did this semi-obscure Jewish tradition called counting the Omer (which I reflect on in a piece, which was published in April in Hey Alma).

When this 49 day period of counting ended last year, I headed out on my big ride. And it so happens that for 2024, the 49th day of counting of the Omer is tonight! The Omer finish line is upon me!

Circle and Spoke is an open community of folks of various faith traditions. Just as if a founder, who is Catholic, might reflect on their faith and traditions around Christmas, as a Jew, the counting of the Omer is on my mind today. 

Unlike last year, I’m not heading out to bike 330 miles, but I did count this year and so I’d like to share a few secular reflections of what’s been revealed as I wrap up counting these 49 days. 

• It’s felt like I’ve crossed a bunch of little finish lines this period 

  • I’d been simmering for years:

    • On visiting my great aunt 

    • On returning to SCUBA diving after a decade away 

    • On what might happen if my laptop died 

    • On finding a community of fellow entrepreneurs

  • And in these 49 days:

    • I saw a rocket launch with my great aunt and got to learn more about her life. 

    • I returned to SCUBA diving and was energized by the experience and felt cool, calm and collected as did an activity that used to cause me some serious nerves.  

    • I pivoted when my laptop died and discovered that in fact I can survive, when tech fails. 

    • I got accepted into the Wild Gift fellowship with some rad entrepreneurs and felt buoyed by this big honor.

• What continues to make me feel grounded and alive is by:

  • Asking for authentic support. If something is nagging me, it might be an itch that I need to say, I need help! 

  • Getting outdoors into nature. Letting myself really take in the awe and slow down is a surefire way to feel whole.

  • Most things don’t happen overnight. Recognize progress and the many finish lines along the way! 

Wherever you are, whatever your faith, tradition or cultural practices, we are about to enter into a new (official) summer season very soon, which can be a great moment to take stock and savor this finish line/starting line!

The summer solstice is on June 20th!

Here are some questions to perhaps journal on as you take stock:

• What stands out from your spring? What are moments that tested you? How did you respond?

• What would you like to celebrate as you cross this finish line from spring into summer?

• What would you like to spring into this summer?

I’d love to hear what’s sprouting up as you reflect! Drop me a line at [email protected] 

Wheels up,

Ellen

PS- If you’re an outdoorsy woman who is ready to slow down, then join us for an escape where you are going to come away with new friendships and nourishing time in nature to feel more grounded in a supportive community of active gals.

Registration is open for Pedal, Paddle & Pause: A Great Outdoor Escape on Sunday, July 14th in Harper’s Ferry, WV. Curious to learn more & register?