Reflecting on the past year, I would describe 2023 as a “Year of Firsts.” Mostly related to my hobbies, there were things I tried or achieved for the first time. Whether they were bike riding events, traveling to new locations, or just trying new eateries (like a revolving sushi restaurant), I am glad to have experienced these things.
Sometimes someone or something about them gets to me. It may be a character flaw, something negative I perceive about them through social media, an incident that may have offended me, or possibly even jealousy. Or maybe others' shortcomings remind me of my own. Whatever the reason for my annoyance, I don't want to waste my energy hating on someone. As much as I'd like to not care about someone else's personality or behavior, it's not always easy to ignore. Not wanting to be a hater, I thought of an exercise in finding the good in people. Seeing the good in someone helps me from being too critical.
As much as I love bicycle riding, I wasn't looking forward to a 46-mile ride that my husband and I signed up for over the summer. The distance, while it would be the farthest ride to date, didn't bother me, but the idea of climbing hills did. Dreading the four climbs on the route wasn't helpful, so I thought of ways to prepare for this ride and improve my outlook.
Details are important even if you're into the "bigger picture" and don't care about the particulars. Although the technicalities may be boring, attention to detail is necessary at work. In event planning, for example, the specifics must be accurate for a smooth and successful event.
My second year accomplishing the Tour de Donut is in the books! In 2022, my husband and I learned about the unique Troy, Ohio ride at the last minute and signed up two days before the event. Coined as the "sweetest ride in Ohio," the Tour de Donut is a fun challenge with donut stops along routes that range from 9 miles to 58.5 miles. You get five minutes deducted from your ride time for each donut you eat.