The subject of your post today really hits close to home.  I can say I grew up trying to please others, doing what others thought I should, in as sense, following the dreams others thought I should have.  All I’ve ever wanted to do was make people happy and feel good about themselves.  If someone suggested I do something, more than likely I would, if I wanted to or not.  My motive was just to please.  Still, I never seemed to make anyone around me very happy.  In fact, quite the opposite.  For a long time I blamed others for my lot in life.  I was naive enough to think they were the reason for my failures.  I realize now, no one ever wanted me to do anything other than follow my passions, my dreams.  I understand others were saying I could do what ever I chose, and they were frustrated because I never saw any potential within myself.  I struggle daily with doubt, criticism and financial pressure, yet I’ve never felt more alive.  I am being exactly what I wanted to be when I was a kid.  I am following my passions, my dreams, working to motivate and inspire change, to help people live a healthy, happy life.  Am I rich, not if you mean money in the bank, nor do I ever expect to have a lot.  The wealth I experience when I make a complete stranger laugh out loud with a snort though, or the “thank you’s” I receive through email because someone read one of my blog posts and decided to ride a bike again, that’s the stuff in life no amount of money can buy.   When that happens, I AM the richest man alive.  I have no regrets.  The mistakes I’ve made and struggles I’ve endured have led me exactly where I want to be and have prepared me well for what it’s going to take to be able to stay.  I don’t ever expect it to be easy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Happy Riding Darryl