Why I Am Riding Across The Country

June 22, 2012

We saw this sign early in the trip (June 22^nd to be exact) and David took a picture of it.  It made a lot of sense to us.  For me, there are many levels that this is true.  For one, given my ongoing struggle with major depression, many people would think that riding across country would be impossible.  How can a woman with such major mental health issues do such a feat?  I say, “one pedal stroke at a time!”  However, all kidding aside, one of the reason I ride is to break the stigma of depression and show myself and the world that I can accomplish many things (and have) even with depression.

So, one reason I am riding across the country is to break stigma of depression and informally for the organization Families for Depression Awareness for which I volunteer.  The organization educates about depressive disorders and suicide prevention.  I have done a number of interviews and presentations for them and feel that they make a real difference.  They are committed to breaking down the stigma of depression. (For more information about FFDA see www.familyaware.org.)

I also ride because I am fifty years old and not getting younger.  Going across is on my “bucket list” and now seemed the right time.  David will be sixty this year and this has been a lifelong dream of his.   It is also the year of the dragon – David’s Chinese zodiac sign. I want to be true to my father’s advice to do the things of your dreams while you can.

I also think that “it is fun to do the impossible” and figure out how to approach it.  If I look at how many days and miles the whole trips is too much, it feels impossible.  If I think about all of the wind, rain, heat, bugs, sleepless nights, sunburns, rashes, aches and worries, I get totally paralyzed.  It seems impossible.  But in my heart, I know it is not impossible.  It is about perspective and being in the present moment.  Am I riding, focusing on each pedal stroke?  Am I sitting by the Erie Canal resting?  Am I mapping out the next day?  If I focus on the present moment and what I need to do in it, then it is not so overwhelming. 

The journey itself can also be fun, although there are times it is not.  It is fun to be in new places and meeting new people I would have never met had I not done this.  It is wonderful to be surprised by stranger’s warmth and kindness.  (This is not always the case, but more often than not it is.)  It is adventuresome and stretches my comfort zone which leads me to growth.  I am committed to growing, despite its challenges.  I really do believe that life is a journey not a destination.

Also, I know if I finish, I will be proud and feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment.  Even if I don’t, I have already traveled more miles on a single tour than I even have done before.  This is an accomplishment in itself.  I feel it represents willingness and perseverance to go forward despite obstacles and limitations.  It reflects the nature of my spirit and says something about who I am and what I can do.  It reflects my belief that life is about possibilities and that we should never let others say that the possible is impossible.