Is Something Keeping You Down?
Have you ever felt like a certain location or situation was keeping you down, and not allowing you to fully reach your goals? As part of our Make it Happen Monday series I wanted to dive into this subject and talk about this widely discussed notion.
I come from a prairie town in Canada called Saskatoon, which is a booming city with somewhere around 200,000 people. Growing up it provided me with a lot of great opportunities and it wasn’t until completing University that my mind drifted to thoughts of getting out of there. I can’t honestly explain what changed. The weather and climate definitely played a huge part in it for me, but seeing as it is the location where all of my (and my Wife’s) family is located there must be more too it, right?
We’re going back for a visit later this month, and it will be my first time there in two years. I do not mean to disrespect this place where I grew up, but I have absolutely no desire to ever go back there….other than seeing my Family (which I’d prefer to do somewhere else).
I really have no reason to think this way, but I seem to associate my hometown with a place that I’m embarrassed about. It’s a place where (in my own head) opportunities do not readily exist, and I was not able to be opened up to what my heart desired. I was never one of those people who said “I need to get out of this town”….but I’m glad I did.
When we moved to the Caribbean, my world was opened up to something I never would have dreamed. I saw and did amazing things and it was my year’s in St. Kitts that showed me there was a whole other World out there. Our time here in Austin, Texas has provided me with interactions and opportunities that could not have happened anywhere else. Being in this location has brought with it many things that could not have happened anywhere else. Our Family is on the move once again, and I know this new location will once again provide something incredible and spectacular.
But please, don’t get me wrong. Big things can definitely happen no matter where you are located. Ultimately it is up to ourselves to Make it Happen….but what I’m saying is that there are situations where a re-location is necessary. Sometimes it’s because of who you are. Sometimes it’s because of who you want to be.
I’m talking about life here, but when it comes to cycling many of the same things apply. A location, group of friends, or anything else in your life can create something that sparks you….or something that holds you down from achieving what’s inside. Conditions, influences, and infrastructure are all things that can help make you a better cyclist.
What I’m really trying to say is that we all need to continuously assess ourselves, our life, and where we’re going. If something is holding you back from where you need to be….change it. Otherwise dream big and make things happen right there where you are.
Maybe it’s something you don’t even know is happening, but with a clear mind and calm soul you can look within and see where you need to be.
Maybe I missed it … which way is the wind blowing? ie Where are you guys heading?
Hi Riaan, I’ve been keeping a pretty low profile on things but laying down some minor hints here and there. As of the end of this month we’ll be moving around quite a bit and then settling down in a new location in November. I’ll post more about it all soon.
Ah ok. Does the flag have a red border?
Hi Riaan, yes it does actually. Sure hope we can meet up and ride together one day in the future…..somewhere in the world.
You’re the greatest Wife ever, aren’t you? Thanks for this wonderful comment and for being there with me as we keep on going after incredible adventures together. I Love You.
I wanted to let you know I thoroughly enjoy the monday posts you have on your website. This one in particular strikes a nerve in me and makes me realize that I need to stop and take a closer look at what is happening in my life.
Years seem to be slipping by and I never seem to get closer to many of the things I want to do with my life. Maybe it is because of where I am located. Thank you for shocking my system and making me take notice of my life.
Julia
Thanks Julia. I really appreciate getting messages like this….it makes me know that these Monday Posts are being well received. Keep on going after what you want and taking the time to clear your mind and soul every so often as well.
“Maybe it’s something you don’t even know is happening, but with a clear mind and calm soul you can look within and see where you need to be.”
This is deep dude…I love it!
Hi Joel, thanks for your comment. I think you’ve done well in keeping your mind clear and soul calm so that you can focus on what matters most. Well done.
Yes this is very deep, but understandable. Thank you for reminding me to take some time today to clear my mind and recharge my body.