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Uphill Climbs

Wednesday, December 7th, 2022

How do you manage your uphill climbs?

This week we got “whapped” by winter.
Snow—7 inches, wind, cold, cold, cold.
It happens this time of year.

I felt dreary and down.
I / we don’t drive on snowy roads,
Or in the dark.
Snow and dark now—confinement.
Seemed like shutting down for the winter.
Pretty gloomy.
Suddenly I feel I’m headed uphill.

I’m not part of “love change of season” crowd
When season is winter.

While disgruntled one day,
It occurred to me …
What if I view this cold season like
Some steep hill in midst of my bike trip’s route?

For those long, steep climbs,
I know not to look at the top.
I’ve learned to pick some marker
Part way up, keep focused on that,
And when I get to that marker,
I cheer myself (always) and pick another.

As I make my way up,
I repeat & repeat—
New marker, getting there, cheering for me.
Eventually I make it to the top.

What if I move through winter
As if I’m making my way up that hill?

I know it works on my bicycle.
I get to the steep hilltop, and move to next
Portion of my journey.

First place I’ll put my sights on…
December 31, having ridden
125 miles on stationary bike.

Pollyanna? Perhaps.
I’ll take it, one segment at a time.

As grandchild, Sequoia, said about the snow,
“It is very pretty to look at.”

Hugs,
Lin

Limerick:
As Winter lands on my location,
And I view the scene with vexation,
I keep it in mind,
Each year I will find,
It happens as part of rotation. 

Leave a comment for me below!

Bike trail snowed over, no outdoor riding for me.
Stormy, snowy roads kept me from haircut 17 miles away.
I sang in Chorale concert this week.
So cold! Pulled out long down coat. I call it my “walking sleeping bag”.
Lin Bruce
 

Lin McLaughlin Bruce uses stories of her cross-country bicycle adventures post age 60 to inspire and encourage people to reach beyond perceived limitations. In her words, "It's never too late to say 'yes' to bigger things!"

Muriel Hachfeld - December 7, 2022

Lin,

Look for the beautiful and final full moon to 2022 tonight… if you read this email on December 7th, and if you can get to a window that faces East. I know that winter weather and darker days and nights are a challenge. I try to focus on the various lights that can create a positive or warm mood inside the dwelling.
Hugs,

Muriel

Irene Montenegro - December 7, 2022

Very good advice! Hugs!

Janet McGrath - December 8, 2022

I am long over due on this Lin. Thank you for your presentation at 50 North. I was amazed to hear “the rest of the story”, having been at a small women’s lunch where you told us about your then-recent first cross-country ride. I am inspired and motivated and for me it pertains to thoughts of commitment in several areas of life.

Carry on and have fun!
Janet

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