“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Martin Luther King, Jr
Often when I am asked how I am doing my response is “I am living the dream”. This may be an ever changing dream and reality. It may or may not have something to do with Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” vision. Truly it depends on the day.
Reading some of the many MLK quotes I could have used today lead me to read that famous speech. Wow MLK was one smart and prophetic dude. That speech definitely will make you pause. It makes me pause because it made me think even more about a thought that has been predominant lately.
This is a long way to go for a point but stick with me. Of course this should make me want to jump to action to help others. It does in a way but being human I look out for myself and my needs first. A wise person I heard once said that in every act of goodwill is some selfish motivation.
So how can I help myself grow personally and professionally while still helping others? Specifically the question I have been asking myself is how can I help spread Passion with the Velo as the “Vehicle for Learning”. More specifically how can I spread this passion and not go broke.
I currently do this, Peddling Pedaling. Or in real English, selling bicycles. Selling bicycles gets more butt’s on saddles and requires more than just the act of putting a bicycle into someones hands. There are countless opportunities to work events, attend rides or races, and be that “Bike Guy” when somebody is looking for guidance. I enjoy all of these opportunities.
Often times I enjoy the interaction with bike people more than the actual bike. Other time’s I enjoy the solitude and efficiency of the machine more. But I always come full circle to knowing that the bicycle has made it possible for me to “Live the Dream” I am thankful that the dream is ever-changing and I keep wanting to chase it.
When I sat down at the keyboard I had a completely different agenda. I was going to tell you some stories about the Limekiln CX race past Saturday. I will do that Friday. There are a few good pictures to go with that as well. Reading MLK’s speech and quotes totally derailed me.
The idea that we should all live our lives with passion and not put our dreams and hopes to rest in order to make a living has been one of the basic pillars of my life. As I see some pillars crumble and others erected in their place this one has remained constant.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank whoever invented the bicycle. The bicycle has taken me away from problems and brought me to solutions. It has helped me make friends and been a lifelong companion. The bicycle has provided a comfortable life for me and mine.
Going to work everyday is a great way to help preach the gospel of the velo and spread the word. This blog is an extension of that. There are countless other ways to spread this passion. One of these is going to be a new feature on Velorambling.com coming soon. More are to be written.
“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”