Most of us value endurance. For the cyclist, endurance allows us to keep going when the grade is steep because we understand the rewards associated with reaching the summit. For any athlete, endurance allows him to continue performing at a high level and gain an advantage over his opponent. For all of us, the ability to persevere through adversity allows us to not give up on life when times are hard. We remind ourselves that there are better times to come, and therefore give ourselves a healthy dose of perspective.
It's not been a pleasant summer. We're in drought conditions, under water use restrictions, and breaking record high temperatures is becoming monotonous. I've not persevered well. When the weather report comes on the radio and reports "high today 107, low tonight 85, no chance of rain..." for the 53rd consecutive day, I scream back, "Don't waste your breath...and don't bring me anymore weather reports until you have something NEW to say!" In spite of Steve's amazingly positive attitude, I think I'm not the only one around here who's getting a little cranky. 
So I guess it is time to endure. I need some of that perspective that reminds me of better times to come. As for life in general, avoiding suffering is not the way to get that perspective, to develop endurance, or to be in a position to really cherish those better times when they come. So I reckon I'll take another drink of water, downshift, and keep climbing. The summer summit is only 7-8 weeks away.
Obviously, you need carbon brake levers! I agree that the heat is starting to get old. Luckily for both of us that we have now passed the hottest week of the year.
ReplyDeleteI have ordered some rain from Amazon.com. It should be here shortly!!
ReplyDeleteStay cool, bro!
Peace :)
It's good to hear that you're keeping a mostly positive attitude through these trying times.
ReplyDeleteHow are the bees handling this heat?
I don't blame you at all. The Indiana heat is getting to me, too, and it's definitely much hotter down in TX. Hang in there, cooler times ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder, Chris.
ReplyDeleteRat Trap Press - the bees are cranky. They hang around outside the hives fanning themselves and complaining about the heat.
ReplyDeleteWe've been hot, this summer, but at least we've gotten rain in the afternoon, quite often.
ReplyDeleteHang in there...
We finally got a little rain yesterday evening and this morning and with that came the chance to ride to work in temps less than 75 degrees for the first time in ages. More rain in the forecast, then cooler weather coming to us tomorrow and Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, it'll make it's way as far south as you guys.....