Gearing Up for Bike Treks - Wheels of Compassion

I've thought of a way to combine two of my passions....riding long distances on my bike and helping others. That gave me the idea to do a bike trek, where I could ride while raising funds (through pledges/sponsors) & awareness about important causes.
Since there are so many important causes & needs out there, I 've decided to do a series of bike treks, as well as to reach out to other cyclist enthusiasts to ride along with me as part of a team, calling ourselves Wheels of Compassion!
I've decided to schedule my 1st trek on my 41st birthday, August 25, 2012....What better way to spend my birthday doing something great for me & helpful to others vs. sitting home & thinking about the fact that I'm getting older & into my 40's now...Ha!ha!
As I've been thinking about important causes that I and a team could ride for...I learned about a devastating incident in Wilson, NY where a family lost their home & was injured & lost a family member during a tragic blast that destroyed their home.  The Johnson family, a family of 7, lost their home, all of their belongings and one of their children/siblings in the horrible blast.
Their community, and people from all over, are coordinating efforts to raise $ for the family in this time of devastation & need. 
This will be the recipient of my first bike trek on 8/25/12...All funds raised through pledges will be given to the Johnson Family Fund.
My heart aches for this family & if my bike trek can help just alittle, I am honored to be able to do it! 
I hope many others come out to join me in this effort.
My mother taught me an important lesson growing up...treat others as you want to be treated.  And she set an amazing example of helping others.  I know that if I experienced an unfortunate situation/circumstances, that others would reach out to offer me help & support.  I have to opportunity to do that for others...and feel blessed to be able to do so.
Can't wait to do my first trek...and am already planning for the 2nd one in Septemeber. Stay tuned!

Found My Blog!

After several years of not blogging, I came across my blog & am back to blogging!
So much as happened in life since my last blog...so much to share...I'm excited to be back!

Through much recent adversity, changes, challenges, struggles & life lessons...both in my own personal life, as well as within the lives of family, friends & others....I began feeling a sense of sadness...UNTIL...my prayers were answered...And special people & incidences have been sent my way to redirect my sadness to hope....and to direct me in how I can turn negative into positive!

I have much to share & write about in future blogs....For now I'll leave you with these thoughts.....

Life is full of challenges, struggles, loss & adversity....As well as happiness, joy, blessings & HOPE....Never loose sight  of the later to see you through....

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason....

And that people are put into your life for a reason (on different levels, whether it's as a friend, colleague/coworker, neighbor, or simply in passing)....There is something to be learned from, gained from, given to, received from, shared with and thankful for/from...every person & incidence that comes into & through your life....

When you feel you've hit rock bottom, or very the most overwhelmed you've felt in your life....find & trust in your faith (whatever form of faith you possess/feel), inner strength, supports around you...AND don't be afraid to seek out & welcome new opportunities...new or renewed relationships/friends...BLESSINGS

Until next post...wishing you much peace within your self, your loved ones & relationships, your life...