A Change of Pace

Last week I enjoyed a beautiful ride through Rocky Mountain National Park. Just at the end of the ride I missed being struck by a car on the highway by mere inches, the alertness of the driver and the grace of God. That night I settled down into my tent anticipating the 102 mile that concluded the week long tour. The week had been peppered with hail, lightning and lots of rain as we transversed eleven summits, 14,150 feet of climbing over 439 miles. It was an exhilarating week with lots of challenges and comraderie.

As tiring as each day was, I generally returned refreshed because it was so different from my daily routine. It's a very busy season of life right now juggling lots or responsibilities. Perhaps you can relate. At one time I was home educating with six children under twelve years of age. That was busy in a different way. It required lazer like focus on one main objective while today my life is more prioritizing myriad duties and opportunities.

Whatever season of life you are in know that it will not last forever so live fully and enjoy the moment. Also, try to take advantage of a change of pace from time to time whether that means speeding up your life or slowing it down; trying something new or focusing on one important goal. Just mixing it up will revive you and increase your interest in your day to day life.

It certainly doesn't mean you have to scale mountains. A quiet afternoon with a good book if you are usually surrounded by people would be a change of pace as would lunch with a friend if you are usually isolated or spend all your time with young children. A night out with your spouse is even better if you do something a bit different even if it's just seeing a play instead of a movie. A small change of pace might be all you need. On the other hand, a friend of mine just jumped out of an airplane for the first time. She wanted a dramatic and memorable change.

My daughter and her husband have been involved in a camp for abused and neglected children for many years. Her younger brother joined them for a week this summer and invested himself in the lives of these young children. Young adults are often focused on their own futures and education so it can be a needed change of pace to focus on someone else and give them a hand up.

In an instant my life could have been ended or radically changed by that speeding car. Recently, I was moved by Tony Robbin's new show, Breakthrough. The opening segment was about a man who became a quadraplegic on his wedding day. It's an inspiring story of true love and true grit and I hope you see it. I was spared the impact of that car. You may be similarly blessed or facing extreme trials like the people featured on Tony Robbin's show.

A change of pace might just be the catalyst for a change in perspective for you-a breakthrough as Tony Robbins calls it. The quadraplegic on his show also jumped from an airplane. That's an extreme change of pace from being fed and cared for to flying through the air.

I hope you find a plan that suits you that will rejuvenate you. The quiet afternoon or the incredible leap of faith, the self care or the self-less act of service are all valid. Just make a change and see what happens and by all means share your story. Your comments are always welcome. Oh, and look both ways when crossing streets or changing lanes on your bike...