This year, I invested in a road bike, complete with pedals that require the rider to “clip in.” By attaching your feet to the pedal, you become a much more efficient machine. In my quest to better understand how to do something, I realized that I first needed to understand my thoughts better. From all of this, I came up with five things that cycling has taught me.

The lens is a powerful way to view the world, both as a tool and as a symbol. It can teach us how to create a beautiful composition, even if the frame is crowded. With a lens - understanding the depth of field is the fundamental way to leverage what’s in focus. What if we applied that practice to our everyday life?

For many, joy is a mandatory mood. If you plan to be out in public, oh my you had better be the most pleasant you have ever been. You should be on your best behavior, if you will. After all, how could you not be joyful after you’ve decked the halls?! What could stop you from feeling great pleasure as you enter another year?!

Often times, there are traceable moments where some joy spilled out at a point in the year. Now, they stand at our collective holiday party with a cup that is not joy-full.