Saturday, June 30, 2012

Getting There, Being There and the Goal to achieve it all

"You can be anybody that you want to be; you can be your own  special friend"

How often I found those lyrics important when I felt lonely or out of sorts.

It's how I changed that feeling and YOU can to is what matters.

Change won't happen overnight but how I/we view life can take on a new focus

After my bike crash, the latest one on November 2, 2011 when I had four hairline hip  fractures, major brusing on my left arm and a feeling of fear beyond understanding to get back on either of my bicycles, it was setting a goal to do just that that got me riding again.

"Slowly I turned, step by step, inch by inch" is more than a line from Three Stooges, it was my motto and still is. Truth be told I signed up for the SMART ride as a crew member but at a team meeting I blurted out
"I'm riding this year" 

I set goals for myself using this outline

While this is not an exhaustive list of how to set goals, it is a good start.
  •  Pick a goal. Want it enough to chase it.
  •  Decide whether it is attainable or not.
  •  Don't talk yourself out of it just because it 'sounds crazy'. It's not supposed to be easy!
  •  Be honest with yourself. How much time and energy do you have to dedicate to this goal?
  •  Either commit to it or lower the bar a couple of inches if it is too lofty of a goal.
     
    I plan on keeping my goals and I've started by riding a bit each day, going to boot camp (today, June 30 after our three mile walk we put ourselves through drills that got my hair to sweat it was that tough but good)
     
     
    I Will raise the $2500 to help others and I WILL Ride 167 miles this November
     
    SMART Ride 9   Rider R. J. Hadley #223

     
     

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Trusted Means of Support

One of the co factors of the L.I.F.E. program (r) is "Knowing and using your trusted means of support"
That sounds pretty open ended and rightly so. A trusted means of support can be a life partner, boyfriend, parents/siblings, close friends, etc. 

To keep up with the hectic pace of MY life I rely on my 'trusted' support team.  It changed drastically when I left the comfort of Chicago and moved to a smaller town where I didn't know many people.

Thankfully I quickly made a couple of friends who have been at my side for important times



Others that come close are the small band of friends on the board of a national non profit.

There's NOTHING I can't share with them

In six days one man will return to living with me and we're each others 100% trusted means of support

He's also HIV positive and will need and access services that the SMART ride supports/funds


SMART Ride 9   Rider R. J. Hadley #223



Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Know Know Know

Today, June 27 is "National HIV Testing Day" at least in the USA

HIV knows no racial or cultural barriers.  As a tester, I see all sorts of people, queer, non queer (aka 'straight') male & female.

One person said on facebook "I've been with my guy for  a year, we don't need to be tested"

I responded, "are you in each others company 24/7? "  If not, take the test: your life matters




I made a mistake over 20 years ago & found I am HIV enhanced.
Sure I love my life, my work, my guy but if I could turn back time, I would.

Greatfully I have support, a good doctor, a home; job etc.

Some people don't and the SMART ride funds agencies that help people who need it

Remember, it's not about ME but I'm peddling my positive self 167 miles on a bicycle this November


SMART Ride 9   Rider R. J. Hadley #223
 





 
                                                            www.pospeds.org 

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

New each day

For those who know me, last year while training for the SMART  Ride I fell victim to  a hit & run


Four hairline fractures and serious bruises on my left arm ( ask to see the scars) I was and still am nervous to ride even the 1 mile to work but it's commitment to helping others  that I will go at it again & ride 167 miles from Miami to Key West this November

No longer using this walker, with YOUR help I'll be in the saddle





SMART Ride 9   Rider R. J. Hadley #223

Monday, June 25, 2012

Stretch

One thing I'll do is ad tips on riding
Here's one I did about keeping hands from being too tight.



And as always: Please donate to the SMART Ride

SMART Ride 9   Rider R. J. Hadley #223