Relax. Enjoy The Ride.

The ancient wisdom of the mighty oak whispers through the wind, which whips wildly around me; picking up speed as I serpentine my way down the Natchez Trace Parkway. My legs pump rhythmically, finding tension as I begin to climb. Learning my newly acquired road bike, I adjust the gears to ease the climb. This pattern of climb and descent continues as I become more fluid with the shifting.

After the next crest the thought occurred, "Relax. Enjoy the ride. You've done the work. It will soon be necessary to climb again." With that the sky opened up in front me. I could hear the hum of the crickets and whir of my tires finding asphalt. Like a friend giving a gentle high-five, the warm, heavy air pressed and quickly released from my face as I rode.

"Relax. Enjoy the Ride."

It is often hard for me to stop climbing. The desire to continue to work begins immediately once a goal has been accomplished or a task complete. Everyday I continue to push myself; I have difficulty leaving work incomplete and there is something inside of me that says, "There may be a more efficient way, a better way of doing this. I can workout more. Do more in my community to help others." Where does this drive come from? Balance does not exist in this level of constant pushing without reprieve.

However, here on the Parkway, once I climb to the top of the ridge, the decision to climb more has been taken from me. It feels amazing to roll my shoulders up and back, tilt from the hips, sit low in my saddle to ensure I am fully engaged while I prepare for the meandering descent ahead of me and then I quickly glide down the tree-lined parkway filled with nothing but pure, indescribable, simple joy.