As I headed across the Missouri state line on my journey to Detroit, the exits for Joplin, MO caught my attention. In May of last year Joplin was hit by one of the fiercest, deadliest tornadoes in history. Having heard and read the stories of the devastation and of the mindset of the community that this storm would not stop them, I decided to see what was going on in Joplin. When I first headed down the business route of I-40, I was...

When you look for opportunity in adversity, you will discover the strength and courage to face it. It was a year ago that I celebrated the accomplishment of my goal — 100 consecutive bicycle rides of one hour or longer. I began those rides in a quest to gain control and perspective in my life in the face of the pain, confusion and desperation with Brandon’s addiction related issues. While I had no idea what these rides would...

“You are never alone. There is always someone in your world looking to share their gifts and looking to discover those that you have to offer.” One of the most incredible realizations along my 100 Pedals journey was the number of people who entered my life during my greatest struggles, offering to help. And, because of the inward facing, self-determined nature of my being I was not able to receive and accept their gifts when they...

“The challenging adventures in your journey are powerful paths designed to provide you strength, awareness and accomplishment for positive, celebratory reflection on the calmer, easier days.” It seems like nothing is ever as fast and easy as we desire. And, when we do declare our frustration with the process, one of our friends will toss out the standard line “if it were easy anyone could do it.” Life’s journeys are designed...