The Fall and Rise

September 22, 2012 – The Day I Felt Fallen

Today feels different, like a leaf that’s drifted away from its tree, lying on the ground, waiting for the next gust of wind. It’s September 22, 2012, and I’m engulfed in a feeling I can best describe as “fallen.”

The plan was grand – a journey from Jill’s place to Oakland, then a flight to Missoula, cycling to my car, driving to Bozeman, and finally, a bike packing adventure into the wilderness. It was supposed to be an epic adventure, a story to tell with a wide grin. But here I am, back home, my ambition seemingly evaporated.

I can’t help but liken myself to a fallen leaf, detached and at the mercy of the wind’s whims. There’s a poignant beauty in it, though. Just like the leaf, I know I’m on the brink of a new adventure, waiting for the winds of change to sweep me off again. Yet, in this moment, I’m static, grounded, “fallen.”

But isn’t there a lesson in every fall? Perhaps it’s about acknowledging the need to rest, to recharge before the next big leap. Or maybe it’s about finding contentment in stillness, in the quiet moments that life unexpectedly hands us.

As I sit here, feeling like a fallen leaf, I remember something important. The most beautiful journeys often start with a fall, a pause. They begin when we’re seemingly at our lowest, grounded, with nowhere to go but up. This isn’t just a fall; it’s a preparation for a rise.

So here’s to the fallen leaves and the adventures they foretell. The wind will come, as it always does. And when it does, I’ll be ready to ride it to my next adventure. Until then, I’ll embrace the beauty of the fall.

Resources to Enhance Your Day:

1. Embrace the Pause: Finding Contentment in Stillness – A guide on how to find peace and contentment in life’s quieter moments.
2. Adventures Await: Inspirational Cycling Routes – Ready for your next cycling adventure? Explore some of the most breathtaking routes.
3. The Beauty of Autumn: Understanding the Fall of Leaves – Delve into the science behind why leaves fall and how it relates to life’s cycles.
4. Meditative Reflections: Guided Meditations for Self-Discovery – Enhance your self-reflection journey with guided meditations.
5. Journey of a Lifetime: Travel Planning Resources – Begin planning your next epic journey with these comprehensive travel guides.