Significant Outcomes in the Face of Adversity

# How I Keep Moving

Posted by Dave Cooke on Oct 1, 2025 in adversity, Commitment, Focus, Inspiration, Passion, Purpose, Uncategorized | 1 comment

“No matter how dark the present appears, I choose to live for the promise of the future and to celebrate the opportunities created through my passion and my gifts.”

This was the very first quote generated from the very first of the 100Pedals rides back on January 1, 2011. I thought about this quote a great deal. I reference it in one of the chapter’s in my upcoming book, as well. This is the quote that inspires, challenges, and pushes me when I have nothing else left — it reflects my inner commitment to what I have been given and my belief that these gifts serve a purpose even when they don’t seem to at the moment.

In eighteen months I have covered a lot of ground, gone through significant personal changes, continue to be disappointed by some of Brandon’s ongoing challenges, and have been frustrated by some of my own progression. Every day, I fight on. Every day, even when there is no clear reason to show up and engage, I still do. The only reason I do is because I believe in tomorrow.

We all love the Hollywood hero. Great stories have great endings. Great endings usually involve big victories. Big victories only come when the hero fights on in complete denial of the obvious, looming defeat. That is what makes the win big, inspiring, and emotionally gratifying!!

I have no idea how I am going to work through the massive personal challenge I am dealing with right now. The clock is ticking. The reality of the obstacle is right in front of my face. I do not have the answer. I do not know how I am going to get there. I have considered how challenging and difficult this is; and, yes, I have considered caving in.

When I sat down to write today’s article, I did not know what I was going to write. I was not very inspired or engaged. Then I reached into the archives and this quote grabbed my attention. And, I started writing. As I started writing my attitude and perspective changed significantly as I thought about who I am — I am not going to quit, give in, back down, or accept failure. I have made a commitment and I have been blessed with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others! Though I have a monstrous obstacle in front of me, I am going to keep moving — I have to keep moving!

My 100Day Challenge was to not block my commitment to my 100Pedals Across America Bike Ride. I have successfully pushed the notion of that endeavor down the road with little tangible or measurable success. That doesn’t matter. I have the heart, the passion, the physical stamina, the drive, and the commitment to get it done. I will get it done because that is my commitment!

Everyone has a story. Everyone is looking for a beacon of hope, love, and support. And, every young adult needs to know the powerful influences that positive action has in their daily lives. 100Pedals Across America is my dream, my commitment, my passion, and my calling. Whatever is in my face today will not be my problem tomorrow because that problem cannot stop me from doing what I have been called and encouraged to do. I do not know how I am going to work through today’s challenges; but, that is not what matters. What matters is that I get in gear and make this project a success.

Whatever you are committed to — get busy. Forget the excuse! Challenges and obstacles are merely a test of your commitment. When you choose to succeed, when you believe in your mission and your vision, and when you are focused and determined to get there nothing can possible prevent you, except you!! I am all in — are you?

One Response to “How I Keep Moving”

1. Sallylyn says:
   October 1, 2025 at 10:53 pm

   Hey there another great post. When I read your quote I thought about a woman I wrote about when I was a newspaper reporter. She was a Nun who wanted to build low income housing for people in a very affluent neighborhood. Although these low income people were living there…. on the streets… the people in the neighborhood didn’t want to build housing for them. My guess is the the physical housing would acknowledge that the people were “actually” there. Well she was always up again some pretty tough fights. At the time I was facing my own challenges and not very happy with my successes. After I interviewed her I asked her..”How do you do it?” I explained my own personal challenges and said I am really not liking where I am in life. She said “Tomorrow will be a better day.” I laughed and asked what if tomorrow isn’t a better day? She said “Tomorrow will be a better day.” She said always believe that and one day you will get to your dream. It worked. Even if my day is a great day… I always know tomorrow will be a better day and I look forward to it.

   Her name was Sister Catherine Cliatt. I don’t know if she is still alive but her inspiration lives on in me. If today isn’t what you want remember… “Tomorrow will be a better day.”

   reply

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