Dudes, can you believe this amazing journey is almost over? In January 2008 I set a big goal – to represent Canada at the 2009 World Cyclo-Cross Championships. This goal did a lot for me. It really changed me – internally and externally. It gave me a real purpose. A reason to make the sacrifices and to keep pushing deep. I felt like I had a real reason for being.

This is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. Reason for being. Why am I here and what am I supposed to do with this life? I so badly needed/wanted to make a difference that I would get stressed out when I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to make a difference in this world. I tried writing the great Canadian novel. I volunteered. I have a World Vision sponsor child (Daniela Nicole who lives in Colombia). I considered quitting my job and moving to a “developing country” to volunteer. I really was at a crossroads. I truly believe that I was put here to do something special. I just couldn’t figure out what it was. I looked for signs. I hunted for meaning.

Guess what – I finally figured it out. This past year has been it. This is what I was supposed to do (for now). I set a goal. I worked hard and stayed focused on the path to the goal. I became engrossed in this goal. The goal made me a better person – more considerate of others, more appreciative of the people around me, and more thankful for this gift that I have. This goal made me a better person.

Yes, I struggled at times. I wanted to quit. I wanted to give up. At times it seemed “too hard” or “impossible”. But I kept going. I told myself I couldn’t quit because of you. I told you I was going to do it and even if I didn’t achieve my goal, at the end of the day I’d be able to say I did everything I could. I became impassioned. I had focus. Structure. Meaning.

Funny. This goal. That had nothing to do with ending world hunger, achieving world peace or making sure every kid starts and ends the day with food and happiness. Seems like it did do this in a off-beat kind of way. Maybe I inspired you to set a goal. And through that goal you made changes that made you live better. Perhaps someone else saw you making changes, this person became inspired and decided to “go for it” and do that one thing he always wanted.

Imagine what this creates. A real “pay it forward”. Everyone is making small steps towards their goal. This creates change. The trickle down effect is astounding.

As you know I didn’t achieve my goal. This was hard. I had setbacks. I spent part of the season rather listless. Trying to figure out the point of everything. I wanted to quit. I tried damn hard to quit. But luckily I have you guys. I received some amazing emails, comments and messages. You kept me in this crazy game. I thank-you. You made my goal seem so much more achievable thanks to your confidence.

It really does take a community.

Not everyone wants to “change the world”. This doesn’t matter. What matters is that you have purpose – purpose that only you can determine and define for yourself.