Reflections

Now I've had a few days to reflect on what I've been doing during the second half of this year I just wanted share with you what I've learnt because it has been a life changing experience for me. There are things that I have done during this journey that I never really dreamed of doing 2 or 3 years ago. 3 years ago I had only ever used a bicycle once previously (in 1984 when hiring a bike to travel to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor Egypt).

 

It all started really 3 1/2 years ago when I changed positions at work from one which entailed some physical work to a desk job. I quickly realised that I needed to do some extra physical activity if I wanted to maintain good health so seeing a couple of fellow Express Data employees cycling to work from near our place I decided that maybe that was a good way to get some exercise.

 

3 years ago I had doubts about my ability to cycle the 11kms to work and even did a practice run on the weekend before I tried it.  And now to think that I've cycled 400kms in 7 days in some difficult conditions I now realise that you can achieve a lot with some planning and sheer determination. I'm also fortunate that family and friends have supported me and no-one ever said "you can't do that at your age". I really think that to a certain extent, age is the mind. Even though our bodies do deteriorate as we get older and exercise can be harder, there is a lot you can do to maintain your health and an active life style can certainly help. I think I'm actually more physically active now than when I was younger.

 

I've also learnt that sometimes things that upset us or worry us or make us angry are not usually that important anyway. In the whole scheme of things I think that we are all lucky to be where we are, as there are many in the world who are a lot less fortunate than ourselves.

 

All the best and live life to the fullest

Ray