This is my last post about revisiting past passions in an effort to reconnect with your true self.
During the summer of 1996, my father and I cycled across Canada (and parts of the US). We covered over 5000km on this journey and I loved every minute of it (ok, maybe not every single minute of climbing the Rockies). After the trip was over, I headed off to start my career as an accountant. Time went on and I became a mother of two boys. My love of cycling slipped into the far corners of my mind. Last fall, at the age of 81, my father invited me on a cycling trip to Croatia with him. I jumped at the chance. It was an opportunity to spend precious one-on-one time with him. It also represented an opportunity to connect with a past passion.
The trip to Croatia was a moving experience for me. I felt so free! It was the first time I had left my children for more than a couple of days! I felt reconnected with my past self; with the girl who had a taste for adventure and who loved the challenge of a solid day of pedaling. I came home feeling renewed on many levels. This summer I made a point to pull out my bike as often as possible. I have fallen in love with this activity all over again. When I am on my bicycle, I feel like my true, authentic self. I enjoy the solitude of it, as well as the challenge and beautiful scenery.
(The first image captures the exact moment we pulled into our driveway, completing our cross-Canada adventure. The second photo is the two of us 23 years later in Croatia!)
Have you recently re-connected with an activity you enjoyed in the past but haven’t touched for ages? Please share!!
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