You just never truly know where this journey of life will take you. Far too often we plan all for not, as roads twist and turn into unpredictable destinations and lakes spill into streams that flow into areas beyond our current awareness.
As I sat riding my bike at the Amazing Women’s Day in Toronto last weekend a young women determinedly walked towards me. I had had my time on stage an hour earlier, before a 100 plus women, and had spoken about riding across Canada to raise money for children with cancer and beyond.
She jumped in with her heart leading the way….”I have been trying to decide about whether or not to enter a cycling fundraising event in London” (the one found over the big pond). “I’m not a cyclist”…on and on she energetically went.
”What does this bike cost? How this, what that, can, if, how…she went on and in my limited experience I attempted to answer all. They were not really important questions in my mind because, all that I heard and saw was that she really wanted to go and the doubts of life were getting in the way.
I, in my own way, placed a little gas on the fire and smiled and she said
I inspired her. I get a little tickle in my throat when that comes my way.
We all make a big difference when we follow our heart.
The following session was open mike. I watched her raise her hand, I knew what was to be declared. She said with conviction that she was registering for the cycling event in London and pointed in my direction to explain why….this is what I received on Monday:
Hi Deb,
It was such a pleasure to meet you on Saturday -what a way for the universe to send me a sign!! So I have officially signed up for the Right to Play Cycling event in July and am now eager to get the ball rolling. I would love to take you up on your offer to go to Gears! Is there an evening this week that works for you?
Thank you so much for your encouragement - I am so excited!!
I look forward to seeing you again,
Cheers,
Jill
So now, she inspires me. More than she knows. And all of those that learn of her journey are blessed by a woman who stretches beyond her comfort zone to make a difference in this world. She has a gift, a special something she wants to share. Herself.
And, if you think that is all, you are wrong! This is another message I received Monday:
Deb,Okay, I did another 25 kms yesterday on the bike. I have to admit that this time I did keep my eye on the odometer a lot more than the last time. I guess the hockey game had more appeal then day time TV!
I definitely feel the burn in my legs but it is manageable. The worst is how much my butt hurts. I have a gel pack and even put a towel on top of that. However, it still hurts.
Today I’m going for a long walk since it is sooo nice out.
I am training for a 10 k walk and roll! It’s called a walk and roll since some of the population we are raising money for are in wheel chairs. The fund raising is for “Extend a family”. Its a valuable program in Kingston for children with special needs. They run excellent programs for the kids so that parents can get some respite. Ex. Saturday fun program every two weeks, summer camp, Friday night pj party for teenage girls, etc… We have been using their services extensively so would like to give back. They also run Monday to Friday day program for adults with special needs.
Everyone will be working in teams! So our team is Dennis, Trish, myself and Sara. I don’t think that Sara will be able to do the 10k walk so she may have to hang out with grandma on the sidelines. She’s a bit heavy for a wagon. But who knows.
My goal is for our team to raise $1000. The overall goal for EAF is $25,000. The actual event is in June so I have lots of time to get my act together.
I plan to cross train which is my usual training program anyway. Twice a week 25K cycle. Three times weekly 5 k walk until I build up to 10 k, and my usual elliptical at the gym once or twice weekly. I also do core training on a stability ball. I use small 10 lb weights for upper body training in addition to tubing. I already have a walking buddy. We used to walk at least 7 km together once weekly until the snow came. Its time to get back at it.
I’m quite sincere when I say that once again Deb you were my inspiration. If you can raise the kind of money you have to for cycling across the country than we can certainly aim for 1,000!
I hope that your training continues to go well.
Have a fantastic weekend and get out to enjoy this beautiful weather. I’m sure that you are already planning on it.
Leslie The ripples of inspiration continue to be passed from one unsuspecting friend to another stranger. In the end is does not matter who originally dropped the pebble that began the ripple, only that the ripple continue to flow……….
