Choosing to Rationalize Over Emotionalize
Have you ever let frustration or anger dictate your decisions—only to end up feeling worse? I have, and it reminds me there’s room for growth in how I respond.
Have you ever let frustration or anger dictate your decisions—only to end up feeling worse? I have, and it reminds me there’s room for growth in how I respond.
We set out to ride an imperial century—100 miles, at the Huffman Classic in Brookville, Ohio. Last year, this event marked our first metric century, and now Alex and I were determined to go farther. But as I prepared that morning, I felt a hint of doubt. My longest ride this year hadn’t even reached 50 miles. I had experience (having ridden a century last September), and the route was relatively flat, but I still felt challenged by the distance. And so began Not Quite A Century: The Ride That Was and Wasn’t.
There’s something exciting about the first official ride of the season—the anticipation, the challenge, and the journey ahead, including the road to growth on two wheels. The Spring Opener marked the official start of my local cycling club's riding season. With route options ranging from 20 to 46 miles, we chose the longest distance to build endurance and prepare for an upcoming century ride.
Growing up, I always imagined I would have children. But in my thirties, during my first marriage, that certainty faded, leaving me on the fence. Was I childfree by choice or childless by circumstance?
Reconnect and revitalize. That is what I did on my recent Atlanta adventure. I called Georgia my home for 10 years, and this was my first time back visiting friends since 2021. I reconnected with a few people and experienced the city in a way I hadn't before.