It's a Wrap on My First 10 Years
Thoughts on relationships, right livelihood, and an honest living
I’d like to welcome all of my new subscribers, many of whom I met at the Carolina Thread Trail Forum and through the Appalachian Leadership Institute. I’m excited to keep the conversation going in this space, where I write about trails, placemaking, and the wonder of nature. More importantly, it’s a place for trail advocates and community champions to come together and imagine a better collective future.
Today, I’m wrapping up my 10-year business anniversary celebrations with some thoughts about impact. I first kicked off my 10-year celebrations with a post about my business journey back in July. (Here’s that post for anyone who wants to read about some of the trials and tribulations of a small business.)
As for today, I want to share an acknowledgment that one of you offered last month. It read: “Thank you for 10 years of beautiful impact.” (Thank you, Miriam, for those words. You said so much in just eight words.)
As I mentioned in my earlier post, this work boils down to results and relationships. Without either, there is no Cycle Forward. So to hear someone acknowledge the impact of my work meant a whole lot to me. From my July post: “I feel elated every time I hear that a discussion I led sparked an idea or that a client moved forward on a project. It makes everyone’s time, mine included, worthwhile knowing that trail communities are indeed making progress.”
But the way I’m thinking about impact as we close out the year is the effect this work – and all of you – have had on me.
I’ve been impacted in the following ways (which is just barely scratching the surface, I’m sure):
I’ve been able to make a living doing this work. Cycle Forward has sustained me over the past decade. Do any of the RENT musical fans recall the scene with the window cleaner repeating, “Honest living, honest living, honest living”? I often say that trail-serving businesses are experiencing just that. Most aren’t getting rich off of trails, but they’re making a living. I count myself in this pool.
Taking it a step further, I’ve been able to pursue my “right livelihood” through Cycle Forward. Right livelihood is about doing work that suits us and brings about a deep sense of fulfillment. Through my earlier work in the nonprofit setting, and now with Cycle Forward, I’m living my right livelihood. Do I love every single day of it? No. But my life’s work over the past 16 years has been in service of trail communities, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Finally, the relationships I’ve built have opened up my world. I’ve met people throughout the U.S. and Canada (and beyond) through this work. I feel a strong sense of connection to my trail friends. More than just “trail friends,” I’ve built enduring friendships (and have also seen some pretty amazing places) through this work. Case in point: my summer in Nova Scotia last year, which I count as a high point in my life, would not have happened without the relationships created over the last 10 years.
So, yes, I’m proud to say that Cycle Forward has resulted in 10 years of beautiful impact, and I’m included on the receiving end of that impact. Thank you all for your role in this life-transforming venture! And thanks especially to my wife, Kathi. I don’t believe I’d have stayed the course without your support and encouragement.
By the Numbers
While my goal today was to convey how this work has impacted me, I do want to note the cumulative reach of Cycle Forward. I love that I’ve been able to support trail communities in 27 states and five provinces, that I’ve given hundreds of talks (each one customized!), led dozens of community workshops, and have worked in service of nonprofits and local governments alike. I’m eager to keep going and to broaden the impact. Keep your eyes peeled for a related announcement!
In Gratitude…and a Few Past Posts
I can’t end without a gratitude reflection! I’m so grateful to be surrounded by a community with which I can bring my whole being to this space. I love that (because of you) I’m comfortable writing with vulnerability and from the heart rather than feeling confined to focusing on the mechanics of trail connections and community development. Here are a few of my favorite past posts for those who are new here:
Thank you, my friends, and happy holidays to you!