Two sore “but” cheeks

Waking up every morning with arthritis isn’t a treat- as many of you know, but we manage to get moving. 
The arthritis could stop me from living much of the life I live if I gave into the “but” of it. 
The, I could but...my body hurts. I should but... 
I would but...  I might but...

There will always be a “but” in life, BUT you have a choice. 
Recently when my husband and I began bicycle riding- which we haven’t done in a few years- the first ride I discovered my kickstand and seat were broken. With those fixed we made short rides. The first long ride, 3 miles, left me with chapped butt cheeks due to the wrong clothing choice. Our longest ride yet- 8 miles- left me feeling great! 
No matter what your ache or pain in life, get off your “but” and try again. Think of the things we wouldn’t have in life if people had given up- there would be no: USA, no railroads, no motor vehicles, no electricity or phone, etc, etc.
Remember you are the sum total of your past, but you are not your past. 
Bicycling is a slower pace than most of you live, but you will notice the oddities in people and the differences in social class on the trail as well, it has a pace all its own. 
Some have the sports car version and all the gear, passing you by swiftly; others are leisurely middle class, comfortably riding along in a tee shirt and shorts, and others like me have the 40 year old bike with a new seat and a bent front tire but we still have fun:)
You’ll also meet walkers, joggers and horses. 
(enjoy the metaphors)
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No matter what your sore “but” in life may be, get your butt back out there and live!