Life Lessons on Two Wheels (Part Seven) "The Freedom of Boundaries"
I remember one of my first rides after I got my bike. There's a local road that winds through some beautiful country and it's never busy, so you can enjoy some speed along with some fun turns...not to mention beauty at every curve.
It's a spectacular ride, one I've done dozens of times now.
But that first ride was something special. The new experience of being on a motorcycle, the freedom of the open road, the wind, the sun, the smells of the country...it was awesome. I was so overwhelmed with excitement I remember literally shouting out loud, I was so happy...and I'm a reserved introvert! Most of the time.
There truly is a sense of freedom on two wheels. Freedom from the daily routine; freedom from mundane tasks; freedom from knocks on the door, screens or texts.
But you know, I didn't just, one day, out of the blue, hop on a motorcycle and hit the open road.
No.
That freedom came after a lot of thought and practice. It came after training and knowing the rules of the road along with the rules of riding a bike.
I spent weeks practicing in a parking lot before ever going on the road. I've taken 2 training courses in 4 years that improved my skills and abilities. I wear protective gear; more than most. You will never see me in a t-shirt and flip-flops.
But that's me.
And you might say, "But Dan, isn't the freedom of riding a motorcycle all about breaking the rules? Thumbing your nose at anyone or anything that would restrict you?"
To that I say, "NO!"
In fact, I would argue that the freedom I enjoy is a direct result of implementing boundaries. Regular habits and practices that mitigate the risks that are inherently part of riding.
That's the point. As counter-intuitive as it may seem, boundaries or rules actually lead to more freedom. The opposite is true as well.
This applies to virtually every area of your life too! Let me explain.
Let's talk money.
If you budget, save regularly and decide ahead of time how you will spend your money, then you will likely have the freedom to be generous and enjoy some options with which to use your resources.
Saving = generosity
But if you don't save, take on excessive debt, live above your means, you will be hamstrung and weighed down...with little room to do anything for anyone else.
Here's another example...
If you live a sedentary lifestyle and your diet consists of pizza, chips and Pepsi, you're not likely going to enjoy much health...you'll be tired, and prone to a myriad of health issues, mostly self-induced.
But if you choose healthy habits (boundaries) you will experience the freedom of health and vitality. Living a healthy lifestyle is a core value of mine, especially now I'm a grandpa.
With #4 on the way, I want to do all I can to be healthy now, and 20 years from now. So I embrace the boundaries of nutrition and regular exercise for the freedom to run around with my kids and grandkids.
So you see, you actually need boundaries to succeed and thrive. With all the boundaries I have imposed on myself whether riding a motorcycle or health and finances, boundaries lead to freedom.
Don't miss it!
Boundaries lead to freedom.
Show me someone who's life is out of control and without a doubt their life will br void of rules or boundaries. Without them you will experience chaos, confusion and frustration.
So let me ask you a question.
Do you have an area in your life where you are experiencing chaos and confusion?
Diet...social media...work schedule...marriage...???
As counterintuitive as it may seem, boundaries may be the answer.
Welcome them! Embrace them! Celebrate them!
And enjoy the freedom!.
Feeling stuck! Let's talk