The wind was gusting up from the Coosa River.  The bright sunshine felt pleasant and mingled nicely with the cool breeze that danced upon the tall grass.  I had seen a sign that read Fort Toulouse and Fort Jackson State Historic Site so I decided to take a pit stop and see what Wetumpka had to offer.  I was blown away by what I found.

        First, they were having a celebration they called, Bark in the Park.  This is best described as a time to dress your favorite pet up like Elvis and bond with other like minded individuals.  Of course there were other options in pooch apparel.  Aliens seemed popular; as were cowboys, rock stars and dead celebrities.  To my surprise the animals did not seem to mind this strange fashion show.  The only thing that appeared awkward to the K9’s was being forced to walk down the cat walk.  (How humiliating!)

        After I had enjoyed all the barking in the park I could I began to explore some of the walking trials.  About a mile from the Fort I heard giggling and laughter floating on the breeze.  As I top the hill and begin my descent I discover the source of the happy sounds.  A mom was teaching her daughter to ride a bicycle.  The mother was so encouraging and supportive.  You can do it!  Just keep peddling; don't stop!  You are doing a great job!  As I watched this rite of passage for a child and witnessed the sheer joy they shared on this sunny day, all I could do was smile as I remember my own experiences with my bike.  Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride

        Believe you can do it and the thing is done; doubt, and for the life of you, you cannot.  Today put your ear to the wind and listen.  If you listen close enough you will be able to hear someone saying, you can do it!  Just keep peddling; don't stop!  You are doing a great job!  Remember, success comes in cans; failures come in cants.  You can do anything in life you truly desire to do.  Start a business.  Get that promotion.  Write that book.  Be a better person.  Graduate.  You can do it!  Look backward with gratitude and forward with confidence.  You can accomplish great things if only you believe and keep peddling.  Happiness is a choice; choose to believe.

Something to think about:

• Get a bicycle.  You will not regret it if you live.  ~Mark Twain

• Life is like riding a bicycle. Either you keep moving or you fall down.

• The hardest part of raising a child is teaching them to ride bicycles.  A shaky child on a bicycle for the first time needs both support and freedom.  The realization that this is what the child will always need can hit hard. 

• Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.

• Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.

• What people say you cannot do, you try and find that you can.

• Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ’em, Certainly, I can!—and get busy and find out how to do it.

• The man who has lost his confidence has nothing more to lose.

• Believers eventually become achievers.

• They can conquer who believe they can.

You can do it!
Rickey Moore