The story behind the buckle…
Back in 2011, just 3 years prior to departing for a motorcycle trip of a lifetime, I was in a near fatal motorcycle accident. With 7 orthopedic surgeries, months of trying to regain the use of my left arm, having short-term memory loss and suffering from PTSD, I was looking for something to help find the strength and determination to do such an awesome extended trip. I was still very weak and had chronic pain throughout my injuries, not to mention, I had severely sprained one of my knees while taking a dirt bike training class just prior to the trip. As I was looking for inspiration, I came across the Wonder Woman belt buckle. Perfect! I loved the idea of putting on a belt and clasping the buckle in place as I got ready for another adventurous day. That was back in 2014 and to this day, I still have the buckle and wear it for all my moto adventures. That buckle ended up being the inspiration and FUN behind my riding adventures, and also the inspiration behind the SheADV Power Shield logo!
The buckle has become a great conversational piece during my adventure rider training classes as well. Super FUN!
We all have the spirit for survival and adventure. Some of us, choose to pursue that spirit. Today, I find myself “broken” once again. I guess I prefer to look at it as challenged, instead of broken, so I’ll change that word. I am suffering from the recovery of a broken fibula and worse than that, a completely dislocated ankle back in October of 2020. It brings much pain and discomfort, but I am determined to NOT let it break me! Just like back in 2014, when I was setting off for a motorcycle trip of a lifetime, I’m challenging myself to overcome the discomfort by embracing it and doing the things that I CAN do. By the way, that motorcycle trip turned out to be 15 months of the most amazing experiences and I will forever be grateful for that opportunity.
While I work on my fitness, I choose the exercises that I CAN do. The ones that bring more challenge, I do what I CAN even if that is holding a plank for a whopping 15 secs. By the way, I’m up to holding those suckers for 90 seconds now! I can’t mountain bike for 4+ hours on rough, challenging terrain quite yet, but I CAN ride an easy, less tricky trail for 20 minutes. So, that is what I will do and before I know it, I will be concurring the more ambitious routes. Overall, I am increasing my fitness level, and if the truth would be known, probably in better shape than most. I share this with you all, in hopes that it encourages YOU to start living YOUR dreams and to not let the “challenges” stop you. Your challenges might look different than mine. What is keeping you from living out your dreams? Make a list. Now, look at the list and ask yourself, “What CAN I be doing NOW that would be taking me in the direction of my dreams?” Start taking those steps, even if they are baby steps. Before you know it, you WILL be living your dreams! Find yourself some inspiration and have a reminder, whether it be through a belt buckle, a sticker on the inside of your wind screen or a note to yourself that you see every day in the mirror and “Redline your life, by living it to the fullest!”
I wish you all the success in the world!
Shal
