Living Well
Saturday I cycled 78 miles up 6,000 feet over 3 mountain passes for the Davis Phinney Foundation as a part of Ripp Leadership Victory Crew Team. I was riding for my mom and one of my best friend's dad who both live with Parkinson's Disease. I was supported by so many generous friends and family who pledged donations to my ride totaling $1,670 so far with some still coming in. The outpouring of support from my community is humbling and appreciated. Our Ripp Leadership team raised over $5,000. AWESOME.
Last year I wrote about being "In The Presence of Greatness" about my experience of riding a portion of the event. I was in the presence of greatness again, and I was in the presence of people choosing to live their lives well.
Not perfect; well.
The mission of the Davis Phinney Foundation is to help those living with Parkinson's live well today. Any of us can adopt this mission whether we have Parkinson's Disease (PD) or not.
We can choose to 'Live Well Today'
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in expectations or thoughts of perfection that we lose sight of what living in the moment well might look, or feel like. Living well at the Copper Triangle on Saturday looked and felt like:
Starting a cycling ride at 4:30am because you are riding a tandem bike with your dad who has PD.
Gratitude for having friends and family supporting your efforts to improve the lives of others.
Getting a ride to the top of Vail Pass because your Parkinson's brain has stopped communicating to your body to peddle, only to rejoin your team to spin down to the finish.
Pride in knowing you have friends and family in your community that will stay with you no matter the impact on them.
Cycling 78 miles up 6,000 with two of your best friends in life, shoulder to shoulder in service of a greater cause.
Tears in the eyes of so many overwhelmed with emotion for the meaningfulness of what a day in the mountains can bring and do in our lives.
The gratitude I experienced gave me strength to cycle the farthest and hardest ride I've ever undertaken. The gratitude expanded my heart and showed me perspectives about choosing to live well.
You can choose. Choose to live well today.
Thanks again to all who are supporting the Davis Phinney Foundation Victory Crew, and me and my community as a result. You are making a difference and empowering living well.