optimism

[rebeccaC]

Haven’t posted since the beginning of the year because of health issues. Learned a lot the last two months about determination and faith…..AND that bicycling has some wonderful psychological/mood benefits (especially on days of unremitting fatigue from chemo)….and that it gives needed mental and physical strength in going through treatments! My riding now is so different from just a couple of months ago, certainly no climbing feasts. The riding I can do, even when slow and not far, does give me a way of feeling some control over my body despite what treatments are putting it through. It also gives me the strength of feeling some freedom from the effects of treatments and especially gives me a determination that helps on the journey of getting back to normal and my life back on track.
…..SO.…still feeling blessed when riding!!!!...or to quote NWG... “At times, it can be so uplifting that I have stopped, raised my arms to the sky and said a prayer of gratitude and thanks.”

Over the few years I’ve participated in this forum I’ve bookmarked a few posts from some of you wonderful women who have written about your positive mindset in dealing with challenges, health or otherwise. I’ve re-read those posts a few times the last couple of months, including just before writing this post. This post is done in wanting to say thanks for those words!! Sometimes you never realize when or how your words can help others in a good way. Perhaps that’s another good reason to want to use our words (and actions) more often in a caring and positive way!!!

“Optimism is the faith that leads to hope, determination and confidence. Breast cancer is so limited…..it cannot affect my giving/feeling love, it cannot diminish hope, it cannot silence courage, it cannot conquer my spirit and it cannot corrode my faith…..”

My only time on the internet now is about my photography (creativity being a needed and valuable distraction). I’ll be back here interacting and forever posting ride photos when I’ve recovered more and have these unwelcome vicissitudes of life in the past pages of my writing journal. Strength of spirit and grace ftw…..

Luv from Venice Beach


All bicyclists are family….

[Pax]

Rebecca, I'd been wondering where you'd gotten to, so sorry to hear about the health crisis, you're a strong young woman both mentally and physically so I think you will kick it's *** nicely. Sending you loads of warm healing energy.

[Catrin]

Thank you for checking in, and sending you healing energy and hugs as you deal with this health crisis.

[shootingstar]

Hope the chemo is for a certain period only! Wishing you energy, creative inspiration.
By the way, we went to Dijon in France last fall. Since you know France, but unsure you know this part: https://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com...rm-and-wonder/

[wnyrider]

I have gotten so much from your photos Rebecca. Joy, peace, humor, inspiration... too many to count. Please keep 'em coming! It may be therapeutic for you, but it also has healing powers for some of us : )

[salsabike]

You are one of my role models, kiddo, in the choices you make about how to see and interact with the world. I thank you for that and appreciate it no end.

[lph]

You are one of my role models, kiddo, in the choices you make about how to see and interact with the world. I thank you for that and appreciate it no end.

I agree with salsabike here. I'm not here much these days, but I've noticed and appreciated your mindful and positive view of the world at all times. I'm sorry to hear that you have this added challenge to shoulder, and wish you strength and peace of mind to deal with it all.

[emily_in_nc]

I have missed your beautiful ride photos, Rebecca. So sorry to hear that you are having to go through chemo. Adding to the chorus here, I wish you good health and peace as you go through the process of getting there. I hope that this crisis will be short-lived and that you will soon be back to doing all that you love most.

[Crankin]

Good luck in completing your treatment.

[ny biker]

Thank you so much for posting, Rebecca. You have been missed of late. Best wishes for your treatment.

You have given strength to many of us in the past. We're here for you anytime you need us.

[BikeDutchess]

So good to see you post this, Rebecca. Glad to see that your photography and (still limited, but surely more to come) bicycling are helping to carry you through. I'm continuing to send positive energy in your direction, and look forward to one day riding and photographing with you!

[rebeccaC]

a heartfelt thanks to all........

[cosc]

Prayers for a quick recovery. Your love, strength is reflected in all your adventures and pics you have posted !!

[rebeccaC]

Alex and I are signing up for the Tour de Pink in Oct. It starts here and goes north for three days on roads I know well. Gives me a positive focus on the future that feels good to have even if I end up not doing all of it.

This journey has given me a couple of new friends that are going through the same things and that is making me feel blessed and helps me in finding meaning in my own experience. We are also helping each other find strategies to deal with the stress, sadness, fear…actually the wide range of emotions, which are normal responses to this…and which also helps in giving positive results to our psychological well-being. Having the always-present supportive nature of Alex is also a wonderful blessing.

Wishing I could share ride reports now with you wonderful women but that’s still a ways off as my surgery is coming up. I do want you to know again, with my heartfelt gratitude, how appreciated your past words in this thread are to me.
And last but certainly not least…thank you Lynn….

Scars are tattoos with better stories

[Pax]

So good to hear from and I'm so happy you have people around you to share your journey.