Susan Senator
All happy families are not alike...
All happy families are not alike...
Keys and Locks to the Universe
In the past I have written about what I call “keys to the universe,” which is a list of my no-fail, always great things in my life. Not generic, obvious stuff like my sons or love, but specific items or actions that come my way. The loveliness,the blessings of life. On my bike these kinds of things whisper through my head like a breeze.
It might be a good idea for you to consider yours, and remind yourself what really floats your boat.
Sometimes,rarely, I have a bad time while riding and I find myself coming up with “locks to the universe,” or negative things I come across, items,events, people types who rain on my bike ride. On yesterday’s ride, locks and keys competed within me, and I need to write them down:
Locks To The Universe, bike ride 6/10/12
1. Cars that insist on passing me, even when it’s unsafe
2. Cuts to public aid
3. Elbow that won’t heal
4. Mean guy at coffee shop
5. Bitch in car on cell phone
6. Bored of my music
7. Almost fell
8. Unresolved thoughts of Natty
Counteracting Keys To the Universe
1. Shopping cart attendants
2. New York City
3. Pugs
4. Wall of honeysuckle
5. Special Olympics
6. Summer fruit
7. Job coaches
8. Moment of arrival at Cape House
Why not end at eight?
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This is a great exercise for anyone who is feeling kind of stuck….like me, for instance.
It is the first week of summer vacation and I feel like I am on the edge of completely losing it. The boys’ anxiety levels are up and so are their meltdowns.
Meanwhile I am having a very difficult time thinking positively.
I call these keys of yours “remembering to remember.” A phrase I got from one of my favorite Kundalini yoga teachers and a phrase I use with my students now.
Of course, the phrase takes on extra special meaning for someone who is an adult aspie, like myself, who struggles to maintain sight of the big picture…
Susan,
I drive on roads in a rural town that many bike riders also enjoy. I want to be safe, be safe for the person on the bike, be safe in traffic. Would you elaborate on some of your thoughts as the one on the bike in which you have felt the passing by the car was unsafe? I may not hold a balanced view.
Hi Steph,
Thanks for asking! I am thinking especially of a curve up a hill, where drivers can’t see who’s coming down the other side, and yet they pass me, nearly colliding with the other car and coming perilously close to me. Uncomfortably close is when it is too narrow to pass. I know it is inconvenient and slow for a car to be behind a bike, though. I sometimes pull over to allow a car to pass, or I hope onto the sidewalk (which is illegal)…
Thanks, Susan! In my town, some complain about the bikers. I have to say, some keep numbers abreast instead of moving over, single file, when a car is there. But, there is enough stress to get angry and blame for me – I just do my part and want to do it safely for all. Maybe one day I will be one of those bikers. I like hearing how it is so good for you!