“Quieting our ego based desires enables us to discover the simplest answers to the most complex questions.”
I have always wanted life’s answers to be clear and easy; plus, I also expected that they would guide me to big ideas and outcomes. Before I did anything, I had to be convinced that it was big and it was going to lead to something even bigger.
What I didn’t realize I was looking for answers on my terms, not as they were being presented to me. It wasn’t until my quest to find peace and clarity in my most challenging, chaotic situation did I realize that taking action on the most simple, obvious idea would facilitate a monumental change in my life. I was looking for a big answer to a huge problem and the answer was a committed step to a very simple idea.
What occurred was a powerful change prompted only by action. While I struggled to create the outcome I desired and envisioned for my life, I found instead a transformational result that I could not have predicted, anticipated, or planned for. The answer was better than anything I had imagined. That outcome was only possible because I had reached that humble point where I was prepared to receive the messages and ready to embrace and accept what I heard.
That is how 100Pedals came to be two years ago. Where it goes from here, who knows. That simple, challenging commitment to ride my bike has changed and influences every aspect of my life. And, it was not predictable or foreseeable at the time.
When we were younger, it was easy for each of us to be students in our life. We knew that we were learning. We knew we had to learn. We trusted many of the advisors placed in our lives– parents, relatives, teachers, neighbors, older siblings. We were willing to listen, explore, learn, trust, and screw up.
Now that we are older, many of believe we should have the answers, know the way, have accomplished great things, or be the wise adviser and teacher of others. As we go through the adversities and challenges in our life, not having the answers or realizing we have not achieved, realized, or celebrated all we believe we should have accomplished or maintained, our willingness to listen, explore, learn, trust and screw up are significantly diminished.
We have now become lousy students. Our egos are getting in the way. Little steps, small ideas, insignificant outcomes, or unclear answers are not enough. We demand, expect and believe that everything needs to be simpler, clearer, less complex, or less stressful. Our ego is making things difficult. As a result, we are not keeping things simple and we are not making things simple.
The answers for your life are right in front of you and inside of you. Quiet your ego and listen to the advise that resonates in your heart and in those around you. That next step — the answer you seek — if right in front of you; take it, trust in it, and keep moving with it. Avoid looking answers that feed those big, ego based, desires. They are not going to put you on your path. They will only prevent from getting started.
Become a better learner. Quit looking for absolute answers. Trust the answers that are presented you. Take that next step. You will be surprised at the outcome and will enjoy the adventure.
