The Ride Society Blog

Balance

2008 Hybrid Groceries
Balance defined in the dictionary is: A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center, with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless. Okay that definition was just ridiculous and now I’m totally confused. So we’re going with this one instead: A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design. Yep, that’s much better.

Balance is such an important part of each of our lives and can make or break you. Some people have to balance work and getting home in time to feed the dog. Others have two kids, a mortgage, and a leak in the downstairs bathroom. And then some might have the luxury of having only to think about how they’ll get there next meal because their only concern is searching the worlds' most epic ride.

No matter who you are and where you live it is imperative to find that balance between exercise and work, kids, school, relationships, friendships, and even sometimes re-roofing the house. For me it was riding my bike that always gave me that balance. That balance between the stresses of my everyday struggles and the amazing peace I felt when my legs were dancing on the pedals and my music pumping through my veins. Nothing else mattered as soon as I hit the trail. Not even if I’d had a totally crap day and was fuming even as I was putting on my riding kit. As soon as my leg flew over my bike it was like an entirely different day. Sometimes I would just ride by myself and just flow through the single-track. I was relaxed and it really helped me find that balance in my life. I was out of that grind, out of that stress, and instead in the present and there are no worries.

I know I’m painting this fantastic picture and as soon as you get on your bike life is like a fairy tale and you’ve just won the lottery, but in a way I think it should feel like that. Everybody needs to have that one thing that they do to get away from their daily grind. Biking, walking, running, kayaking, playing hockey, racquetball, swimming, etc. Whatever it takes to get your mind off of your day. You see exercise releases endorphins and when those endorphins are released you feel energized so the more you can break up your day and do something that gets your heartbeat going the better you are going to feel.

So what I meant earlier about finding the balance between your work, kids, relationships, etc., was that you need to balance taking care of YOU. If you don’t’ take care of yourself first you will drive yourself mad trying to take care of everybody else. You need to escape into something. Something that makes you feel energized and fantastic. Let your husband watch the kids for 30-45 minutes and go running. Or take 20 minutes during your workday to walk around the building three times to get that heart pumping. That is the important part. Staying healthy and feeling great about yourself.
You can always find a balance, but sometimes it can be hard to find behind our fast paced lives. Make life happen on your terms and enjoy it!

Tara



 

Comments

No comments have been posted for this entry. Be the first to enter a comment!

Add a Comment

You must be a Ride Society member to post comments. Please Sign In or Join Now.
 

 

Topics

» Inspiring Women (27)
   Personal stories and thoughts

» Kelli's Race Reports (1)
   The latest from Kelli Emmett

» News & Announcements (14)
   The latest from Giant

» Service Department (18)
   Care and maintenance

» Tour de Pink (6)
   Breast cancer charity ride: training tips and more

» Training Wheels (43)
   Riding skills and tips

» Travel Journal (14)
   Shared experiences and adventures