Life lessons from a bicycle race

(Inspiration from cycling) There are many comparisons (or parallels) that can be drawn between our life journey and a bicycle race like the Tour de France: Some of us are sprinters, climbers, or marathon runners. One is not better than the other. They are just different and we each are designed a specific way. Life consists of mountains and valleys and we all have to go through them. The best part of it is that you don't have to do it alone but can do so together with others. Cycling is as much about individual efforts as it is about the team. The same applies in life: We all have a larger family around us. It is about fellowship, community, friendship and comradery. You can be fierce competitors but still be the best of friends. Everyone in a team has a function and role and all work together for a mutual objective and to win. Celebrate victories together. Like in cycling, life is about individual performance and excellence. This requires commitment, lots of hard work and attention to all aspects that contribute towards giving it your best. The tenacity and perseverance of cyclists in the face of great adversity, is true inspiration. With the best laid plans and preparation, things don't always work out the way we expected. Regardless of what happens, keep going. 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going'. Face your goliath and overcome him. Like the roads of the Tour de France have different surfaces and road furniture (obstacles and things posing risk and danger), the paths we follow in life have too. Whatever road we are on, there are always others that can even be like family, to walk with you. Value and appreciate each other. Inspire and encourage each other. Sometimes we need to travel alone for a while. There are always those that will cheer you on. Some of those around you, are only in it for themselves. Don't waste your energy on them and get rid of them. Relationships are about what you can give. Just like the Tour de France has such beautiful scenery and things to take in with all our senses, so is life. Stop to smell the flowers, the coffee... and take in the sunrise and sunset... Take time to appreciate the beauty and wonder around you. We are all human beings and nobody is perfect. "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." (Prov. 10:19) You cannot just do what you want. Following a certain established way enables society to function, and for especially women and children to be safe. The world would be a much better place if we all would be more concerned with what we do and say, be a lot slower to speak and consider whether what we do and say is good or whether it can cause harm.