The cool weather we've been having this week reminds me that Fall is just around the corner and has gotten me to reflect on what I have done this Summer. Thinking back, I owe the Summer an apology. More specifically, I owe the Summer's activities an apology. My reviews of my Summer activities - the New England vacation, RAGBRAI, and the Rocky Mountain camp - have all been too harsh.
The New England vacation was a perfectly fine vacation. I enjoyed visiting the 911 Memorial and the Freedom Tower, I enjoyed the Woodstock Museum, and despite it coming across a bit underwhelming, Niagara Falls is still pretty awesome.
RAGBRAI taught me I didn't like riding bicycles over long distances that much but that's an important thing in itself. I now know that I don't like riding bicycles over long distances! I also know that, even though I didn't like riding bicycles over long distances, I can ride bicycles over a long distance. I rode a freakin' bike over 462 miles! That is an accomplishment all in itself.
My Rocky Mountain National Park camping trip was a terrific learning experience. While I was in the middle of it, I didn't feel that way, but I recognized soon enough that I'd learned some important lessons that could be used to further my hiking and camping experiences. That's not a small thing!
So all you Summer activities - activities that I have poo-pooed so easily - you were great! From now on the wisdom each and every one of you contributed will be remembered fondly. I learned a lot from all of you and those lessons will continue with me on all my future endeavors.
There are many things I've done in life that I didn't enjoy but am glad I did. And with time, we may forget our discomfort and try it again! Maybe next time will be better, or maybe we'll just have confirmation that we don't like those things :D
ReplyDeleteAutumn ... You are wise.
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