Lost And Found

My ten days in Portland were much more than attending class. It was nice to be away (anywhere, really) and self exiled from most media sources. In the ten days I was there, the (hotel) T.V. did not get turned on and I avoided newspapers.

The combination of media refusal and intense class had me guessing at which day of the week it was. It was kind of nice. It allowed me to notice other things, reflect, and look within.

A prime example is how courteous the people of Portland are. When traffic lights turned yellow the drivers did not speed up, they started to slow down. Even at four lane roads drivers in both lanes of traffic each way would stop to let pedestrians go. The few days I had a rental bike, commuting amongst the bike commuters was surreal.

I was one of a class of twenty-nine students and two instructors. Being in the company of so many like-minded individuals was fantastic. It was a nice renewal of my love of the outdoors and outdoor activities. As I observed and interacted with my classmates it was apparent they were unafraid of tough life choices and faced them with a smile.

I have a lot of admiration for those who are choose to make major life altering decisions with no guarantee of success. I admire those who do not settle for mediocrity and are willing to take the risk in hopes the rewards payoff. Fearless.

I feel that way, too. It makes me feel better as I move forward. Over the past year to year and a half I’ve felt though part of me was lost. I found that part of me while in Portland. I have clarity, purpose, direction, and peace. The past is just that. I’m focused on today and tomorrow.

Ride On.