By Brian Nadon

“A bad attitude is like a flat tire… you can’t go anywhere until you change it.” – unknown

I love this quote as it not only talks about the philosophy of cycling, but it also is describing a philosophy of life. This is how we should all look at things as well.

So much of life is outside of our control, and indeed much of that is bitter. We set out to do something and we are quickly beset by challenges, by loss, by other people’s frustrating tendency to think about themselves over our needs. Yet we continue to put up with this. Not just because we have to, but because we know what’s on the other side is wonderful: friendships, success, excellence, life-changing experiences.

It is said that at times I (Brian Nadon) can be extremely unfriendly but through cycling, I’m full of rhythms to the generosities of life. Cycling helps me to capture life’s immense balancing act – cycling can speak to of how unpredictable and unfair fate can be just as eloquently as cycling provides joy and prosperity.

If today ends up being another one of those days for you, try to remember what the unknown quote was talking about. Try saying to yourself, ‘Today I’m taking the bitter to get to the sweet.’ Say, ‘In the end, it all balances out and I am lucky to have both when so many have neither.’ In this way, you will not only grow stronger and more able to endure any misfortune that comes your way, but you will also be more grateful for and appreciative of the gifts you are given as well.