So...... (April 27: Day 55--High Springs, FL)

'Some days you are ahead, some days you are behind. The race is long, and in the end, it is only with yourself"  ~~ Mary Schmich


So.....as this journey draws to an end, I have stopped to reflect upon where I've been, what I've seen and what I have experienced.  To be honest, I had to flip back through some of my pictures to remember the earliest days; it seems like yesterday that we were all strangers at Dog Beach in San Diego and yet it seems like an eternity.  So......I ask myself,  "What have I learned??"


I have learned:

• I can stay in a really nasty no-star motel and survive.
• I can now blow snot rockets like a pro.
• I learned that the only failure is in not trying
• I learned there are many ways to look at a situation.  How I chose to see it determines if it becomes an opportunity or obstacle.
• I have learned that the middle class seems to be disappearing, and there is a marked discrepancy between the 'haves' and the 'have nots'
• I learned that I can change a flat tire.
• I learned that tofu isn't as bad as I thought it was, especially when I am hungry.
• I learned not to bring any snacks into the hotel room at night....I will eat them even if I am not hungry.
• I learned, that for me, 'smelling the roses' is doing what I enjoy doing and might be different for someone else.
• I learned to let go of the need to control.
• I learned not to have expectations.
• I learned to embrace and live in the moment.
• I learned not to ignore my body when it sends me signals, or I will suffer later.
• I learned AZO is great for killing the pain of a UTI infection.
• I learned I can get away with not washing my jersey every night, but two days is the limit before people complain.
• I have learned to believe in myself and trust my abilities; they won't let me down, but self doubt will surely sabotage me. 
• I learned that it was a really good idea to bring my own pillow.
• I learned to let go of judgment and embrace the unique gifts of each person; I learned that others may not be able to do this, and that is ok--there are lessons to be learned from that, too. 
• I learned there are many ways to do something,and everyone has an opinion.
• I learned to use the bathroom when one was available or do it in nature.
• Sunscreen is my friend; margaritas are not.
• I learned that you get what you spend when it comes to bike shorts.
• I learned nothing is insurmountable if broken into smaller pieces.
• I learned how to drink from a water bottle without breaking the rhythm of my cadence.
• I learned how to climb ascents.
• I learned that what may appear to be a shack to me is someone's dream house.
• I learned the importance of a courtesy flush.

I am sure there are other things that I will remember that I learned....   Thank you for sharing this journey with me!

76 miles