riding out of the paradox

Paradoxical. 

Driving to Bike to Work Day to hear how others had embraced biking that morning.

Emailing people hoping they’d had some great rides in the saddle in May.

And yet here I was, having only gotten on my bike once in May. 

So a week ago, I was wrapping up a long day… an event in the morning, driving around town returning borrowed supplies, a 15 minute nap, and then an afternoon of spreading the word about Circle and Spoke’s upcoming retreat: Pedal, Paddle and Pause. 

And as I looked at my schedule for the evening... In my bones was an urge so primal. 

I need to stop emailing people about biking. 

I need to stop sitting.

I needed to go biking. I needed to get my butt in the saddle.

I gathered my things, headed to my building’s bike corral and unlocked my bike. 

But what was unlocked inside of me was relief. 

Relief to not feel so tied to my to do list.

Relief to not feel the desire to keep doing, doing, doing. 

Relief to hop in the saddle and breathe, to be, to feel freedom. 

Hands on the handlebar, I rode and I screamed joyfully, as I rode down the avenue. 

Here I was. Breathing. Moving. Free. 

My to do list could wait…. 

What perhaps can you let go of right now, so you aren’t paradoxically living your life?

Wheels up, 

Ellen

PS- Circle and Spoke invites you to join us July 18-20th for Pedal, Paddle and Pause in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. 

The first edition of Pedal, Paddle & Pause sold out last year and we know it will sell out again! Half the seats for this year's second edition have been sold. Lock in your seat today before you miss out on the fun!