I love to ride my bike because cycling brings me back to my youth.  I particularly enjoy riding on a variety of terrain, from open paved streets to dense forested trails.  Recently, I went on a very long bike ride through city streets into the woods.  Seeing nature always beckons me forth as it nurtures my inner child and instills great wonder and curiosity.

The trail leading in was soft and muddy having rained heavily the day before.  Small rivers littered the path along with the occasional deep puddle.  None were too deep though for me to pedal through and it was not long before I encountered a fork in the path, pointing to the “Flying Wheel” trail.  The name conjured up visions of myself and my bike flying freely down the hill, with wheels magically taking flight.  It seemed like an adventure too good to pass up on.

I launched into the trail and it was not long before I realized the hazards of my decision.  All wood surfaces were extremely slick, making it difficult to control my bike.  The experience made me realize that life is just like the Flying Wheel trail.  Sometimes you have control and other times you don’t.  Obstacles and barriers arise as twists and turns present themselves, dips and drops appear out of no where, and bridges and boulders abruptly command your attention.  Sometimes I needed to relinquish control and simply steer myself to safety and other times, I needed to use all of my skills and senses to complete the ride intact.

The sight of bear dung did not alarm me, at least not until I saw another 5 or 6 mounds.  To avoid confrontation and growing fear, I made noises and sang a positive mantra out loud:   “The road is approaching soon!  The road is approaching soon!”.  Sure enough, the road appeared within minutes and as I pedaled happily out of the forest, I looked back to see an incredible sight.  A very large and healthy looking black bear lumbered across the road.  I was thrilled to see it from a distance and happy that I was not his next meal!

The moral of the story?  Life is an adventure.  Make it a fun and rewarding journey where you can look back and marvel at the vista behind!

One month has passed since my silver laptop was stolen and I still remain hopeful for its return.  I was vacationing in Portland, Oregon, on my first solo journey when vandals broke into my vehicle and took several items including my laptop.  Although the incident was very disheartening, I have come to realize many positives for which I am grateful.        

Of these, I am most grateful that I was not harmed.  I am also grateful for the love and support I received from family and friends back home.  They, along with the many kind people who assisted me through the initial hours, helped me to turn a very distressing experience into one that was less overwhelming and more managable. I was very pleased that I was able to continue my vacation despite this setback.      

Other positives I am grateful for, include the fact that I still had my vehicle and all the necessary resources to continue on with my vacation plans.  I was determined not to give any power to this unfortunate incident and as a result, the following 4 days were immensely restorative.  Reconnecting with nature in dense rain forests and natural beaches became the greatest highlights of my vacation.     

Looking back, I am reminded of the importance of being prepared and having back-up plans, especially when travelling alone.  This includes having back-up people as well as knowing emergency routines.  Familiarize yourself with all the essentials in case of emergency so that you are prepared should misfortune cross your path.    

One final lesson is derived from creative problem solving.  Since I lost most of my clothes and backpack that held them, I improvised using a simple container for carrying the remainder of my belongings.  I discovered that Rubbermaid and Samsonite are virtually interchangable for road trips.  They are equally durable and convenient, with Rubbermaid being much more cost effective and waterproof to boot!

Laptop computers come in all colors.  Mine was silver, with a little partially eaten apple decorating its lid.  It was a sleek little computer that performed beautifully and dazzled all of its onlookers, including I.

Last week, my little computer was stolen from my vehicle while I was visiting the Japanese Gardens in Portland, Oregon.  Nothing could have prepared me for the shock I felt when I discovered shattered glass all over the passenger side of my vehicle.  Nothing could have prepared me for the great dismay I felt when I realized that both of my backpacks were missing.  It was like I was thrown into a downward spiral of emotions, sinking deeper by the second.  The irony of the story is that this unfortunate event capped off a magical morning in a place of serenity and exquisite beauty.

Misfortune happens when we least expect it.  It can take our breath away and leave us dazed and confused.  Sometimes, we cannot make sense of what happens in life or control outcomes but we can always control our responses.  Once I overcame the initial upset, I chose peace over anger.  I chose to carry on with my holiday as planned and not end it early.  I mindfully chose to give no power to this unfortunate event or the perpetrators.

Ten days have now passed and I remain hopeful that my computer will be returned to me.  I hope that a good samaritan will turn in my belongings and that Portland’s police system will come through for me.  I hope for a joyful and positive end to this story.

This experience reminds me of how unpredictable life can be.  Sometimes, life presents you with a glorious golden cow and other times, it takes your silver laptop.  Sometimes life is wonderful and other times, it is quite unbearable.  Through challenging times, faith is needed to help carry us through.  Having faith allows us to relax and believe that better days are ahead.  I believe in the power of positive karma and that some good will come of this.  I wait with both eyes wide open.

Ha ha ha!  Ho ho ho!  Have you ever attended a Laughter Yoga session?  If not, you might want to try one because it is one of the best workouts you will ever get!  Laughter Yoga benefits not only your mind and body, but also your mood and outlook on life.  You can try it right now.  Take a deep breath and exhale with a ha-ha-hah.  Vary your exhalation with a ho-ho-hoh and maybe even a hee-hee-heeh!  Before you know it, you will be laughing your way to vitality!

Try to start everyday with a smile to start the ball rolling for a day filled with laughter.  Smile at yourself in the mirror and even let a chuckle come from within.  If the smile just doesn’t seem to want to come on some mornings, relax into the flow of life.  Mindfully practice gratitude and positive thinking.  Eventually a smile will come to your face.  Smile at everyone you encounter and chances are, your smile will be returned.  A smile is the universal language that breaks all barriers and brings unity to all people.  It has the power to lighten up even the darkest of moments in life and bring a glint of light to troubling times.  Smile and the world smiles back at you.

A smile is also the gateway to laughter.  Laughter is contagious.  Have you ever been able to resist joining in on hearty laughter?  Laughter piques people’s interest and brings them together.  Most want to join the frivolity.  Who can argue with good hearty laughter, anyway?

We are all unique.  Each of us have certain qualities that make us special and stand out from others.  Together, our natural gifts create the rich and vibrant world we live in.  Our world is a beautiful place because of the colourful ‘brushstrokes’ that each of us imparts upon it.  We each leave our mark in some way.  Leonardo daVinci, Oprah Winfrey, and little ole’ me, we’re all as different as can be!  Recognize your gifts and share them with the world!

Realizing our gifts and sharing them is fun but not always easy.  It sometimes takes confidence and courage to realize them, and then more confidence and courage to showcase them.  A recent visit to a tulip farm revealed this very lesson to me.  As I stood in awe overlooking fields of gorgeous pink tulips, I marvelled at the one yellow tulip that proudly stood out before all others.  I am sure if it could speak, it would say: “Hey, look at me!”

I also marvelled at the two daffodils that grew courageously in a well trodden footpath.  They too boldly called attention to themselves, fearless of what may come their way.  These flowers revealed an important lesson in life:  that sometimes we all need to stand apart from others to be heard or fully express ourselves.  If we look to these flowers as our role models in life, we can make our presence and natural gifts known.  We can contribute our unique ‘brushstroke’ to the world.  Whether you adopt a different role or choose to physically stand apart, I hope that you share your unique gift and shine as you were meant to!