Turning dreams into reality sometimes seems impossible. Work, family demands, and community involvement can suck our resources dry leaving us burdened with exhaustion and time depleted. Our attempt to control the outcomes doesn’t aid either. 

As summer comes to a close, a break from the heat signals a new season is upon us. While tantalizing us with cooler days, we yearn for the dreams we wish to accomplish. Yet, when? How? What will make this a reality? 

Mike had a tragic accident. He was flying a small plane that crashed. The mere fact he survived was a miracle yet the next years of recovery seemed daunting. The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. His wife left, and physical therapy to learn how to live a new way unfolded. As he accepted his new reality, a dream came forward. 

With a keen mind, he learned and researched hand cycling. Think of a tricycle you can lay down on and then use your hands to “peddle” and move the back wheels forward. Mike intrigued, started a quest. He believed in himself and committed to making this dream a reality. 

He first tested this bike in how it handled on local bike paths and even on dirt paths, sometimes even tipping over. 

With faith in himself, he stays committed to learning and improving. He signed up for his first race. His eye was on the prize. Learning all about tires, gears, and the different physics, a puzzle to find the best, fastest bike and a way to train emerged into a methodology. 

Fast forward 5 years later, with blood, sweat, and scars, he earned the title of US Champion in hand-cycling. 

Imagine learning to live in a wheelchair and adapting to a new way of life. Then, learning a sport that entails all this. That’s true dedication. 

What’s your dream? 

Commit to what you believe in. 
Have faith in yourself. 
Declare your dream a reality. 
Be willing to ask for assistance. 

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