Hey friends! So as many of you know, I am currently on a great adventure with Bike and Build, cycling from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean to raise funds, awareness, and (literally) roofs for affordable housing. As we pedal across the country, we will stop and work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity on construction sites.
Two days ago, we set out from Jacksonville, Florida after working with the Beaches Habitat for Humanity. We dipped our back tire in the Atlantic Ocean and will dip the front in the pacific upon reaching Monterrey, California.
What has struck me over and over over the course of the past few days is how much freedom recovery has given me. I simply wouldn't have been able, physically or mentally, to do what the program demands had I still been struggling.
It becomes most clear to me in seemingly insignificantly moments. I realized as I was biting into my bagel this morning that I hadn't given a moment's thought to what kind of cream cheese I was eating: I simply enjoyed its taste and the feeling of fullness and renewed energy it gave me. Peanut butter, one of my old scare foods, is a staple in our lives here, and It's never tasted better.
It's liberating and exhilarating to do the simple things, those others give little thought to, and simply enjoy life. I don't perseverate about food, instead, I enjoy what I'm given and the amazing people I share it with.
When I was struggling, "stopping to smell the roses" wouldn't be an option. This trip would have been only about the cycling at the expense of adventure and supporting an incredible cause. I don't think about calories or "exercise" when I bike now, but focus instead on the conversations I'm having with those around me.
Recovery has given me my life back. Recovery allowed me to embark on a life-changing adventure without paralyzing fear and anxiety holding me back from what Bike and Build is and should be about.
I'm excited to stop, smell the roses, serve others, and explore all that the Southern United States has in store for us.
To follow our journey, check out bikeandbuild.org/rider/7446 and stay tuned for more!