Fearlessness.

At some point I may do an entire blog post on this. For now, I want to give you something to ponder over the weekend. Maybe even beyond that, if this strikes a chord with you.

I've called myself a fearless Warrior. Which is, in fact, true. Many of you have seen examples or known of others you would consider fearless. Fearless is not the same as reckless. Reckless implies a disregard for consequences. It's usually driven by felony level stupidity. I, however, brave many things in the name of expressing my passion and accomplishing my own objectives. I seek both personal fulfillment and a deeper knowledge base from which to educate others. The farther a rider progresses in riding skills, the farther they realize they can still travel. I hope to be one who has seen the possibilities and leads other riders there. At whatever level a rider finds themself I would hope to be able to show them what path still lies ahead. Not only to show them the path, but to offer wisdom for the journey. Only by having gone there myself can I be an effective guide. All the while I am painfully aware of the possible consequences of my journey of discovery.

The simple truth is that in this process I experience my own share of fear. Having successfully stared down many dangerous situations in my life, I'm surprised to still feel this fear. Those looking from the outside in may have a very noble or awe inspiring picture of me. There's really nothing special about me or anybody else you might consider fearless. Here's the key. This is a line from a book.

Adrianna Huffington has a book out entitled "On Becoming Fearless, in Love, Work, and in Life". In this book she says:

"Fearlessness is not the absence of fear. It's the mastery of fear. It's about getting up one more time than we fall down."

That statement takes fearlessness from the realm of the Superhero and puts it in reach of our common humanity. Whether it be motorcycling, personal relationships, or reaching out for new accomplishments, the words above give us a simple guideline.

In case you might be thinking, "Wow, Irondad's so well read for a Road Warrior!" let me further pop my own bubble. I'm just as common and human as the next person, despite the fact that I'm a legend in my own mind. I did not read this book. I held it in my hand and thumbed through it at a book store. That's it.

What got me started was a quotation on a Starbucks cup. Say what you will, but I've learned all I need to know in life by riding motorcycles and reading Starbucks cups!!

Miles and smiles,

Dan