“If you worry about all the bad things that could happen to you, you will be paralyzed.” ~ Evelyn Stevens, Professional Cyclist
There are no guarantees in life. Everything we do, from the time we are born until the time we die is take risks. Depending upon our experience and the depth of the pain in some of our failings, our risk tolerance might be lower than others. However, if we get to the point in any situation where we spend more time worrying, planning, fretting, and organizing around a situation — we are finished.
This quote was taken from an article entitled, “Cycling’s Occupational Hazard.” I originally thought this was going to be an article about getting hit by a car. I have first hand experience with that type of cycling hazard. Instead, this article talked about how professional cyclists routinely live with the risks of serious crashes. Despite the risk and some cyclists personal experience with a calamitous crash, they still continue to race. They race because it is something they love and they have a passion for it.
Despite the risk, the adverse experiences, and the painful falls we must live fully and embrace our passion. To deny it out of fear or failure or adversity leaves a greater weight on our spirit than any crash or failure ever will. Life has its “occupational hazards.” Face them, experience them, and move on from them. In every crash is where we grow most and moving from there is how celebrate what we love the most about our life.
