If You Are Struggling

Six feet apart. Socially alone. Isolated. Separated. Masked. It was a rough year for connection, for touch, for joy. Fuggedabout smiles! And yet, as I look through my street photography from this year, one thing stands out and that is, of course, the naturally-socially-distanced joy-enhancing bicycle. That’s become my go-to thing. You may have something different. Hold on tight to it.

Traveling at the Speed of Bike saved my life about eight years ago when I lost my business (after a 17-year-run) at the tail end of the recession when all my corporate clients were laid off and the publications for which I wrote went out of business (that story is in my book). I strongly identified as a full-time freelance writer (after a successful corporate career) and it was hard to see the way forward. I briefly contemplated things I never thought I would, and decided instead to just start pedaling. I slung my camera across my shoulder and have not looked back since.

I honestly don’t know what I would have done during this pandemic without my now-habitual practice of riding at least around the block daily (plus Leaps of Faith, of course). It has, indeed, served to be a lifeline for me.

If you are struggling and a bike ride (or whatever your go-to feel-good thing is) isn’t helping, please take note of this number:

You are not alone. See selections from my 2020 street photography below — you can feel the heaviness in them. See the last one for some words that others have found helpful during trying times.