Gypsy Soul Freedom
I’ve been called a Gypsy before. A few times. Maybe that’s what I am. I know I like the comforts of being in the same place. But the thought of something new is equally appealing.
If it wasn’t for my “Gypsy” heart, I would not be where I am now. Living my dream life on a Caribbean island, and all the things that come along with it. But the Gypsyness about me goes even further. It includes the fact that I crave Freedom. I mean I really need it. I have a very hard time doing the same thing for long periods of time. The thought of working at the same job for 20 years cannot even be processed in my mind. Free to move. Free to breathe the air outside. Free to be myself.
Maybe that’s the reason I love cycling so much. Riding a bike equals total and complete freedom.
There is no possible way I could ever spend endless days behind a desk. In an office. Inside. Stuck. At a desk. No way. I don’t care if it has a view. I don’t want it. But I can remember back to a time where that is what I thought I wanted.
Even living in Grenada would not be the same….if I was here, but stuck working behind a desk. Instead, I opt to work outside. Yeah, you’ll rarely find me inside our café. I’m out at our tables. Looking at the ocean. Meeting customers and tourists. My uniform….Shorts, Mocha Spoke T-shirt. Sandals, or no shoes at all. Free. The hot Caribbean Sun shining and tanning my body. Extremely lucky.
But that’s me. It’s what I do. It’s who I am. I haven’t had a “real” job in like over 5 years. Actually, I don’t think I’ve really ever had a real job. Well maybe not real to you. I don’t ever want to. It’s what life is to me. My Definition. Possibly defined by others as unrealistic….but then again, lofty goals generally are.
Maybe there is something even better out there. It’s something many of us never dare to find out. Life is good. In fact I really cannot believe it sometimes. Moments of perfection.
It’s taken a while, but I think I’m starting to figure out who I am….and to be grateful for where I am in my life. What I’m capable of.
Yes, there were days when I thought I wanted something different. Pursued it. Longed for it. Prayed for it. It never happened….Now I know why. I’m a square peg and I wasn’t meant for those round holes. Fate knew better than I did.
Been sitting on this one for so long because it struck a chord (as many of yours do, just this one even more than most). I am partially of Hungarian decent, my Grandmother, who I was very very close to, was a true Hungarian Gypsy, and just an incredible woman. I learned a great deal from her and am in awe of her life. She came to New York on a ship at 19years old, not knowing anyone, not speaking english, and knowing that she would never see her family in Hungary again. Her stories of life in the US at the time are just amazing (as well as those of growing up a gypsy).
The other thing that hit me about this blog was the feeling you get from riding. That was SPOT on for me as well and why riding out on the road means so much to me. I, unlike you, have had a much more conventional life/work experience and I think it makes the contrast to riding even sharper.
A long time ago (and a good bit faster) I was on a training ride with a pro Triathlete (first to go under 8hrs in an Ironman) and after watching me ride, doing goofy things going down a hill with arms out or swaying with the cuves, he said “You really LOVE riding don’t you”. I really do.
Yeah, I knew there was some Gypsy in you. Thanks for taking the time to let this one sink in, and of course for responding.
I think many of us cyclists have the same feeling out there on the road, and it’s why we love it so much. Our love and connection to cycling is definitely one way we’re connected……and in many other ways as well.
I have to agree with Velo Mom about your comment, “Maybe that is the reason I love cycling so much. Riding a bike equals total and complete freedom.”
In regards to how you choose to live you life: Mark Twain said it well…”There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way.”
Love this, especially “Maybe that’s the reason I love cycling so much. Riding a bike equals total and complete freedom.”
Exactly……I wish everyone knew that feeling.