“Let go or be dragged.”
Zen Proverb
Song: Shapeshifting by Taylor Acorn
Article: Why Repeating Yourself Is a Good Thing by Adam Grant
Thought: One of my favorite mountain biking routes is called Shane’s Loop. I’ve done it a hundred times and never get bored. I know every turn, every climb, every downhill corner and the right gear for each part. Knowing what’s coming doesn’t make it any easier and I’m completely gassed when finished. It’s just difficult enough to scare off the beginners but not so hard that it’s demoralizing to try.
Life feels a lot like Shane’s Loop right now. I’ve been on the same trail before but the uphill parts don’t get an easier even as I get stronger. I might know the right gear but it still requires grinding and breathing. I keep choosing the trail knowing the pain that’s coming rather than turn around or change routes.
What keeps me going is knowing I’ve done it before and survived every time. Eventually, I make it to the top of the hill. Eventually, I get to the downhill where I can coast. Eventually, I get to the bottom where water and change of clothes waits.