It may not be a secret, but I love to ride my bike in the city! There’s nothing like the freedom (and heavy emphasis on ‘FREE’ Ha) of saddling up and zooming off to wherever my legs—and stamina for that matter—will take me.

Of course, in true Brandon fashion, safety is paramount. I don’t ride in the streets. I prefer the sidewalks even if it irritates pedestrians.

Hey, driving a car in Washington, DC is scary. I dare not ride a bike on these mean and vociferous streets.

In one of my bike adventures this past week, I learned a lesson about life.

Yes, even bike tours across America’s capital can generate new understanding about this not-so-complex thing called life.

As I rolled quickly down a hill—which for a lazy biker like myself is the best type of biking—I hit an unexpected bump in the road.

I was enjoying far too much the excitement of going downhill and my hands were not holding the handlebars as tight as they should have been. I almost lost control of my bike!

Moreover, at the speed I was going, it would have been terrible if I had an accident (And you know how I am with accidents)!

As I gave a tighter grip and my nervous heart began to return to normal operation, I had an Aha moment.

How many times in our lives do we hit unexpected “bumps in the road” and crash because we were unprepared for the possible consequences of our joyrides?

More specifically when we almost crash, what do we have to hold onto to keep us afloat?

Our values, beliefs, and morals keep us centered when we encounter an unexpected crisis. They are what we hold onto when everything else around us seems to be crashing right before us.

Have you nearly fallen off your “bike” recently?

What did you use to get you back upright and keep you centered on progress?

For me, it is my faith.

It centers me and reminds me that I can live a life full of attainable possibilities.

I also have my family, friends, and supporters who continuously remind me that no matter what challenges I face, my destiny is determined by my will.

So, at this moment, what can you hold onto? What do you have to keep gravity–life–from bringing you down?

Hold on to it. The ride may get bumpy, but at least you will have something to keep you grounded.

We can live better lives. Moreover, we can do it together.

Better Tomorrow,

Brandon Gillespie

This post was written for the forthcoming LOT B Magazine– a magazine dedicated to exploring and discussing all things related to living life outside the box. For more information or to submit your stories about how you are living, breathing, and entertaining with extraordinary flair, emailLodiandz@yahoo.com. You can also send your inquiries about how you can get your print addition to this address.