Just getting caught up on blog entries, sorry I am late to comment on this. I just wanted to say thanks for courageously sharing your authentic self on this blog. To write about this personal experience publicly is pretty courageous – nothing to be ashamed of, few people have the confidence to know that their strength lies in recognizing AND SHARING their vulnerabilities. Personally, I get turned off by travel blogs, especially by cyclists, where they never talk about their failings or their fears. We need more of this stuff – the stuff that prompts us all to just be human with each other, to not pressure each other to try to prove we’re someone we’re not comfortable with. By you’re being yourself here, you’ve given the rest of us the permission to do the same. Important stuff.

Glad to hear you two trust each other so much and that you’re on the road in a way that you feel more comfortable with. Hope your attacks have lessened a bit because of it. Hugs & Tailwinds! 🙂

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all
persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to
the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive
persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for
always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your
achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however
humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of
trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons
strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the
face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the
things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue
and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child
of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be
here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding
as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and
whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep
peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful
world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920