Where do I find the inspiration to cycle? What keeps me inspired and extremely motivated? One factor is the discussions I have that are very focused on topics such as the industrial revolution on society and culture.
We discussed the impact of the fortunate versus the unfortunate versus the wealthy and unwealthy. From there we examined how we overcome hardships in life and thus I used time to share some of the values I gave gained as a result of coming from a immigrant family. Just like the ones that left Britain during the Industrial Revolution.
A key value that was instrumental in my personal growth passed down to me by my grandparents and parents is the value of service and respect.
Those two words have allowed me to inspire and motivate others. I really thought of those two words as I teach and train.
As I cycle and battle the wind rain sun and exhaust from vehicles I concentrate on how my life has been directly shaped by people around me and how I am potentially shaping other lives to serve and inspire.
That shaping of service and respect came two fold later in the evening as my Sister in law Gagan asked me “Paji (brother) are you ready?”
Wow, it all came together I replied with a positive, exhilarated, motivated feeling. I am mentally ready, but physical, I will be in two months as the training goes on.
What keeps me going is hearing children laugh, knowing that our cause will help some child hug and hold their parents for another day.
That is our fuel that does not go empty – sthat keeps our tank on full no matter the distance. When we are training and feel as if we are running on fumes we quickly think of the child that will benefit from our cycling fundraiser and thus our tank fills up and we keep pushing. Our tanks will not go empty.
We are blessed, we truly are, but as my partner Rob mentioned the pain we feel, the hurt we feel is minute – minuscule. So small to what these children at BC Children’s feel or go through every day in pediatrics.
That’s our fuel to cycle. The pain we will feel cycling through the mountains is only a fraction of what a child with seizures brain problems etc. faces and goes through hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly.
This past week one training session I cycled 40 km and as I climbed plywood hill, I visualized and could hear my daughter Jaden laughing, asking me for a story on the cycling adventure today, or asking about a fire call I may of been dispatched to or discuss Star Wars.
I could feel her saying come on daddy you can do it. Jaden is resilient; bouncing back from her seizures exhausted yet ready to conquer and challenge the world.
And because of those thoughts; I do it, because of that I cycle; because I want kids to share their stories with their parents and friends.
Being involved with BC Children’s has made me more humble to serve.
My Sister in law ended it with “Paji…you’re great.” I was honoured yet again humble and thought of Richard Nixon 37th president of USA and his quote on greatness.
“The greatness comes not when things go always good for you. But the greatness comes when you’re really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes.
Because only if you’ve been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.”
Rob Gardner and Armajit (Archie) Sull are riding to Whistler this summer to raise funds for the B.C. Children’s hospital.
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