2019 and 2020 was fraught with challenges, In April 2019, a crash on the bicycle left me unconscious for 15 minutes which today has left me with residual of head injuries among which was a post-concussion syndrome.
In February 2020, I developed Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which has caught in the ‘nick of time’ as the blood clots had travelled up to lungs resulting in Pulmonary Embolism, where I was put in ICU for observation and was started on blood thinners which I am still on.
It has been a 20 month challenge in respect of health and fitness, and my physical activity on the bike was merely about surviving the ride! Right now I do not know how long it will take for me to clear these health issues and moving closer to the big ‘60’ I do not know what lies around the corner. All I know is that slowing down or stopping is not an option!
As much as the last 20 months has been a challenge, it has also taught me patience in dealing with my own ‘monsters’. However what I learnt is that I need to get back on the on the bike as soon as possible despite my reservations and fears. The power of friendship plays a big role. I have been blessed to have great circle of friends who have given me the support (I think you all know who you are!) on and off the bike.
When you sustain such a crash, there is always the psychological barrier, I have to keep reminding myself to stop rationalizing things and just keep going because when we place barriers or reasons as to why we should slow down or stop. This only deprives us of an opportunity to better ourselves and to achieve and experience newer things which will open doors in other areas of your life which we often thought not possible.
Having spent my Christmas holidays with close friends wherein we rode the scenic from Penang to Ipoh covering 367 km reaffirmed this believe.
As Mark Twain said the “The 2 most important days of your life, is the day you are born and the day your discover Why” 2020 for all of us have ‘thrown a spanner in the works’ where so much has been contemplated and called into question. I prayer and hope that all of you keep pushing that envelope to find your ‘WHY’ in 2021.
