For the last few years, I’ve spent this week making note of what makes me thankful. It’s the best way I know to refocus my mind, especially in dark times. I’d encourage everyone to list out things they are thankful for, every day. It will change your world.
The first thing I’m thankful for is bikes. This year, after an incredible 210k, the Nissan which I refer to as “The Car Jesus Gave Me” got to a point it wasn’t worth repairing. Money has been tight, so rather taking out another loan, I’ve been doing life on a bike.
It’s required an investment. Helmet, rack, panniers, and lights for starters. It’s also required a lifestyle change. You leave earlier. You plan on carrying some extra clothes and block out time to get changed. You learn to deal with rain and heat. Worst of all, you have to say no to things you want to do, but can’t bike to.
The rewards are pretty great. When the season changed, it meant that I’d spend a minimum of an hour outside on perfect 70º Austin Fall day. As life gets busy, I have no choice but to get a good cardiovascular workout. Which has an effect on your mood, too. Today was one of many days I took out disheartened and arrived feeling pretty darn good. The extra time in commute is taken up with some of my favorite stuff, audiobooks and podcasts.There’s been more than one time I looked out at the highway, with stressed out people in their air conditioned bubbles, and thought “suckers.”
Like many of the things in life I’m thankful for this year, I wouldn’t have chosen it. But the fact is, I love my life on a bike.
Special shout out to my rockin’ roomie who loaned me the bike, and who’s also a pretty good blogger.
Previous Year’s lists:
– 7 Things I’m Thankful For (2009)
– 50 Things I’m Thankful For (2008)
Picture Courtesy Matt Crouch. That’s me in the red.
Tweets