Compare To Despair

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Have you compared—then despaired?

I was catching up with a fellow cyclist.
Right away, our conversation went to
Cold weather biking ...outside.

“How wide are your winter tires?
Are you riding ‘snow tires?’
Studded tires? all the time, or
Switching tires for that day's conditions?”

Very fun to learn how this
Year-round rider is using his bike
As winter creeps closer.

Completely in awe of year-round determination,
I started comparing.

I'm not doing that.
I'm finished riding outside for this season.

My stationary-bike inside-riding
While I read some book as I pedal,
Compared to facing outside elements
Equipped with appropriate bike equipment
And warm, protective clothing....

Wow.  
I made myself feel "lesser.”

What I know is
Do Not Compare!

If I need to compare,
Compare myself to me at an earlier time.
Take a look at where I am now.
How I can view with greater confidence.
How I delight in adding up my daily inside miles
To get to the number I'm striving for.

I love the conversations with stalwart
Year-round riders.
Especially with my Friend.
Impressed, I cheer his determination.
I will keep asking about preparation & equipment
For those ventures.

My seasonal riding Is inside.
Adding up miles pedaled on stationary bike.
Maintaining some muscle,
Planning on being ready
When spring comes.

Hooray! Hooray for all of us—
May we each applaud
Our particular mode of being active
For some "next" season.

Hugs,
Lin

Limerick:

Don't let yourself slide to despair.
Sharing of stories,
Lows and of glories,
Truly listen, but Do Not Compare!

Collegiate Chorale Concert. Lin, second row, right.

Lin with Kristi Hawkins, Set & Lighting Designer. 2023
St Olaf Christmas Concert at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis.

From scratch—butterscotch pie filling

Remembering Maggie's visit and puzzles