I'd consider myself a "real biker" and I LOVE that the ebike is an option for you, makes you feel more confident, and gets you moving. They're opening opportunities for all sorts of bodies to get out, and I'm here for it. You'll get no shade, only encouragement, from me! Enjoy the ride!
Being Dutch, I find the whole "real bikers hate e-bikes" thing to be hilarious. A bike is a means of transport, not a lifestyle or sport, unless you want it to be. And getting around, no matter how you do it should be inclusive for everyone. 😊
I'm a real biker who hates e-bikes, but I can also be practical. If that's what gets you out there, GO FOR IT! Snobby real bikers don't matter as much as you enjoying life, or in the Dutch case, getting around. It an e-bike solves a problem for you, maybe it's being able to go as fast as your friends, maybe it's fear of being stuck. If it solves a problem that keeps you from riding a bike, that's great, embrace it.
This genuinely gave me a revelation about something I've been struggling with lately. I've been getting better at letting myself feel and process emotions and, as you mentioned, it helps me move through those emotions faster. But the result is that I feel a lot more different emotions in a day than I'm used to. I've been criticizing myself for being "so emotional" and having "mood swings" but I'm realizing that maybe I'm just processing emotions more quickly and moving on and THAT'S A GOOD THING! It amazes me how my brain continues to find ways to tell me im doing everything wrong even when I'm actually making improvements 😅 I'm so glad you're in a happier healthier place Jo and thank you for sharing your perspectives. ❤
I'm so happy you're going forward and making progress!! Congrats! However, I envy people who can feel things and then let them go and be free. I have extreme mood swings every day, (I have bipolar, ADHD, BPD, social phobia, ED, etc.) and if I were to allow myself to feel every feeling I'd be even more exhausted than I am. Because once I've felt an emotion and let it go - another comes! It NEVER stops! I avoid feeling things like crazy, I avoid music, film, TV-shows, books and so on that will make me feel emotions, because I'm constantly overflowed the way it is, and I can't take additional emotions too. I wonder how you stop feeling so much? Have less emotions and have your soul less disturbed by events? I am like a tumbleweed in the wind without roots, I get tossed wherever my feelings want me to go. I feel so deeply, so strongly, so long, and so overwhelmingly. And one way that I've coped in the past in severe self-harm, which I'm trying to stop. But it brings fear to every strong feeling I have - will I hurt myself or not? It doesn't make the feeling less strong... I wish I had a blank line as emotion, if even just for one day. I'm exhausted by feeling so much all the time!
@@SamirCCat I can relate to that a lot. I used to either completely dissociate or have a complete emotional breakdown. There was no in-between. Honestly it was all about finding a good trauma therapist for me. I have PTSD, Depression, social anxiety, and some ED adjacent stuff. Working through things and finding someone who can help you learn to process emotions and not just be overwhelmed by them is a game changer. I highly recommend looking for someone who does mindfulness and parts work/internal family systems. There are other things that can be helpful too but for me and many of the people I've talked to, those are the biggest ones. I spent years going to therapists that either barely helped at all or actually made things worse. It's incredibly frustrating how many truly bad therapists are out there but try not to give up on finding a good one.
I've had to work harder to allow myself to feel love and joy after feeling like if bad things were going on I had to feel bad about it all the time and any good feelings were a betrayal.
I know you might not be able to speak to my experience so no pressure but as someone who loves digging into my feelings and trying to process them, I still find that the anguish clings to me fiercely despite my willingness to face these extremely uncomfortable emotions. Any ideas as to why I might be having an experience that seems to be directly opposite of yours? My sense is that maybe even though I think I’m facing my emotions head-on, that I might still be resisting feeling some part of it and that is what amplifies my suffering? But ultimately I really don’t have a clear idea of why this is unfolding in this way for me. If you d had any experience feeling like I have, I would love to hear your perspective!
@@Amber24426 I almost wonder if it's too far the other way. Cause I think I experience some of this too, where you dig into the emotions and they are strong and sticky and follow you around. Is it that it's more likely to leave you if you take a more passive approach, maybe? Like I hear this in mindfulness, the idea of just letting your thoughts and feelings exist and drift away without clinging to them or judging them. Just noticing. I wonder if that's the balance.
As a 911 dispatcher I can't begin to tell you how liberating hearing the phrase: 'It's ok to not be ok' was the first time someone said it in a debriefing. I'm glad it's helping you too.
It took me years to figure out and try to piece together the lessons and how to deal with PTS. From not only a fatal car crash that I was the cause of but also being a former EMS dispatcher and hearing what I had heard which caused me to leave. The mental aspect of that and also a few close calls with death had finally changed me back in 2010 to an actual decent member of America. A lot of learning and mental health work took years to get as far as I am today. With Chronic pain to flashbacks from the past to dealing with depression. But it makes you a stronger person. I learned humility, empathy, sacrifice, and just how much pain a person can handle mentally and physically.
Happy new year Jo! I gotta say, I’m still into the day in the life with me type of videos. Also, when I saw the helmet on in the thumbnail, my first thought for some reason was that you were going to horse back riding lol. Proud of you with how far you’ve come! Keep being you!
I never realized how much I didn’t feel my emotions until the person that was very nearly my partner went to college and didn’t make time for me. She stopped texting me, and didn’t call when we planned to. I was also coming of an SSRI, and I was feeling things more. It was overwhelming at first, but just allowing myself to be hurt and to cry was really freeing. Now I feel okay enough to accept it’s out of my control. It’s up to her
Thank you Jo. For sharing your emotional insights and your inspirational adventures and your kickass ride. Stay safe out there. Much love and happiness
For me finding a bike (well trike) which allowed me to ride again instead of being stuck at home or just about manage to walk to the car and back was kinda like getting my life back. Yes, if I compare my own performance with others on Strava I'm hopeless but I don't, my trike is what got me back to cycling which has given me a new lease on life!
Jo, a history lesson. Why are 2 litre soda containers plastic and not glass? Well, when they started bottling such a large amount, they were glass and the carbonated soda would pressure up and explode the glass bottle. Same thing with feelings we bury. They build up pressure, either exploding or poisoning us from the inside. You sound so good right now, you have started to deal with and release the pressure that repressing these feelings created. And, some humour to add to your day. You look great, you've got 2 beautiful legs and I don't care if God didn't make a part of one of them, it's a part of you. And lastly, if the neck scar doesn't totally disappear, don't worry. Think of it as a permanent hickey that felt incredible (and use that exact phrase if anyone is rude enough to ask about it).
I'm a 'real' cyclist and have been most of life, as well as being a cycling advocate and fighting to make cycling safer. I can say unequivocally that ebike riders are cyclists. I know many people with injuries, diseases or disabilities who would not otherwise be able to ride. The of us there, the better for everyone.
Hell yeah. Iove my ebike. Cycling lanes should link up though. On my roads I have to flirt with double trailer trucks going past at 80kph. No lane at all, just edge on white line. Freaky.
real bikers love anything that gets you out of the house & turning pedals. Everyone should ride a bike, its a great way to get physically & mentally fit.
Sometimes a change in your location/surroundings is the best way to shed trauma, stress, and all the things you describe. Glad you have found healing along the way. Your co-host has stolen the show yet again.
I feel you. I don't like my emotions either. I've been trying to point them out (what is that emotion), acknowledge them, and convince myself that's it's okay to feel frustrated, sad, and angry. For so long, I've believed that it was best to hide them and ignore it until it all burst out. I did have some healthy coping mechanisms like writing, and eventually talking to my mom about it (through middle school therapy), but it's still scary. I'm an adult now, and I'm only just getting around to identifying emotions that are often hard to identify, and letting myself feel them/accepting those feelings
Man, I hope creators don't abandon "day in the life" videos due to the algorithm or trends etc (no clue about the terminology) - I love them! Really enjoyed this video, and so thrilled to hear of how things are going for you, Jo. Thanks for sharing.
I'm so happy for you! It's astonishing how we're on completely different journeys and in completely different locations but to think that someone else, anyone else, most notably yourself, can be going through or having gotten through such similar experiences is absolutely incredible and so encouraging. I was recently (as in yesterday) inquired as to why I live in the city I do? "What justification do you have for staying?" My thoughts on that; the year lease I just signed, the new job I just started and the fact that family is close... But those "justifications" are really just excuses to not let go of the situations I went through. This is and has been tough considering everything that happened to push me to making these decisions. I guess I said all of that as a round about way to say that we're not so different. Thank you.
Feelings are important to stay intouch with. That said I was happy you finished about the ebike. I've been considering getting one the last few years. And im leaning more towards the trike and here's why. I had my below the knee amputation on my right leg two months ago and im 64 years old. My crazy "X"tream days are behind me and i just want something to get me around like when I go to the beach to do some surf fishing, or around my neighborhood or a campground. And I love the added benefit of having the rear basket for carrying some fishing gear ( or maybe a cooler with a few ice cold beers. Hey im a little older now but I'm not dead yet either 😅). Anyway seeing you on the fat tire ebike has me considering getting one was nice. Fyi I had my stump measured a few days ago and was told they expect me to get my first leg in about a month and a half so im getting a bit excited. I subscribed to your channel about a month ago and it's helped a great deal so thank you. Have a great dayy. 😁👍🍻🌞
One of the effects of medical transition (gender) for me was that, after a couple of months, it felt like I could actually experience the full set of human emotions instead of mostly just anger, sadness, and pain. About four months in, a very small event in the grand scheme of things triggered a *massive* crying fit, like everything I suppressed through the emotional self-mutilation required by toxic masculinity was suddenly hitting all at once. It was so intensely cathartic, even if it was more than a little surreal to turn into a teenage girl at the age of 39. Things got really bad before they got better, but at the same time, I found myself experiencing unalloyed, pure happiness for what felt like the first time in my life. I'm so glad you're feeling so much better, too.
Happy New Year and a few days!. Congratulations on taking those huge steps of moving to a new area and giving you the space and time to be you. History is something that we cannot avoid, as much as we would like to at times. Now you have a place to write your own history on your own terms. That can be an amazing journey, for sure it is a learning experience. I like the Ebike. That is a fantastic option and a great tool as you wonderfully and simply explained. So much so that I am now seriously consider getting an ebike. It is so liberating when we give ourselves the room and freedom to have emotions and to deal with them. As you said, we have them, deal with them, and move on in life getting to enjoy our next emotions. Safe trails Jo.
I recently found your channel and have found it thoroughly interesting. I love people and learning their unique perspective w on things and you really are exceptional at verbalizing your own thoughts and feelings. Truly fascinating for me! Thank you for sharing with us!
This video made me so happy! I'm learning how to feel my emotions too. When I cry, I jokingly refer to it as "taking an emotional shit" because it's gonna come out somehow and better to be in control of it 😂
Moving is scary! I was with my ex-fiance for 4 years and realized that wasn't what I wanted. I ended up moving 1000 miles away and have never looked back. I'm now happy moving away from everything that made me miserable.
I'm so happy for you! I am currently writing my final university essay, then in late february will start a 13 week professionals course required for my ideal career. While I don't have a post-grad job lined up yet, I have taken the plunge and resigned from the part-time job I have worked for seven years, since I was in high school. The past 5 years of uni have been very rocky for me, losing my best friend and then my dad suddenly, having to help mum financially, finally accepting it was time to sell our family home but then the market tanked so mum had to take quite the hit and it took so long to sell. I am so excited at the thought of seven weeks just to be me. Go for bike rides, walk my dog, make a scrapbook of photos from the amazing trip to Europe my sister and I were able to do a couple of months ago, and finally unpack since we moved into our new home the week before Christmas. I'm hoping some calmer weeks will give me time to actually process everything that happened in the past 5 years. Also what a relief it must be going for rides on the e-bike knowing it can take you the whole way home if needed - opens up so much freedom for you!
Cool bike Jo. Glad you are feeling good. Love seeing Sophie, as always. It appears you are using the new foot as well in this cycling video and you movement seems much more at ease as it seems to work with you so much better. Something as simple as watching you deploy the kick stand @00:12 seemed so "normal".
I saw your video pop up with the title, happiest I've been, so I just had to stop watching my Swifty videos and check out what you had to say. I see that you moved. From a person that has moved a lot, currently in Montana moving itself can really give a person a boost from stagnating in one place. Great to hear you are doing better.
That's so weird that your phantom pain tells you your foot is cold! The brain is so bizarre! ❤ I do identify with the feelings management thing. I didn't even realize i was going that. I've also been working on it. I had been hyper critical of myself when sad. Well you know what? I'm dealing with a really sad situation and i may cry for awhile but I'll feel better after. It sure beats struggling with anxiety about my valid feelings... That's how i look at it.. ❤
My favorite thing I learned from my dad was “crying is a sign of weakness” so I learned to not cry and just be angry instead. Fast forward to being married and my husband has taught me that it’s ok to cry, heck he will even hold me when I do. 😊
That pin-lock socket is a really interesting piece of tech. Life has been incredibly difficult for you. I would. not have been able to cope with anything as well as you. I am so glad you are finally able to feel a bit happier. You deserve it.
I really miss biking. I had a stroke at 33 due to sleep apnea (10 years ago), and since then my balance has been off. I wasnt able to go back to work in any reasonable fashion - so I wrestled with social security for years. Once I finally got my SSI, and all my other bills were paid off, I bought an E-bike. Unfortunately, I found riding to be impossible (without looking like a drunk child). I ended up giving it to my brother in law, even though it was expensive as hell (for me). I may try a recumbent bike at some point, but it's just not the same.
I can totally relate to telling people they need to feel their feelings but burying my own under unhealthy coping mechanisms. I'm 41 and it took me til about 35 to realize I wasn't "too sensitive" I was just made to think that by people who didn't know how to handle processing their own emotions either. Now when I let myself feel, like you said, it's like a 20 minute meltdown and then I feel like I'm "done". I don't have to carry it around for the next 20 years. It sucks in that moment, but boy does it feel great after. 😂 That bike is awesome too. I'm pretty broke at the moment, but maybe someday I can invest in one. I am quite obese right now and have Fibromyalgia and a bad back so I too have a lot of fears that if I bike somewhere (which I used to love) I might end up not being able to get back. But it would be awesome to be able to do as much as I could on a given day and then head back.
Did you know that you can can convert any old (or new) bike into an E-Bike for $500? There's pros and cons as usual, but I kinda don't wanna manhandle a 70-pound monster on public anymore :P
On the nose Jo! I’m so happy you are getting the word out there about feeling the feels. My Husband whom is still recovering in a rehab/nursing home from a btk amputation and sepsis have gone through together so many emotions the past few months. Anger, grief, anxiety, depression.. and now we are at hope.. hopeful that he will recover from the GI surgeries and revision on his limb, hopeful that he will be able to keep making progress daily on his PT and regain his muscle mass back to be fitted for a prosthetic and we are at peace finally with the cards that were dealt to us and we see a bight future for us both. He is my best friend and I say We because I told him at the very beginning of this journey that he is not alone, I will be there every step of the way holding his hand. Thank you Jo for once again educating us all on the hardest part of life’s journey, the mind can take you to some pretty dark places but your heart.. your heart can lead you out of them. Needless to say that you are never alone, this community you have built loves you and we appreciates you more and more with every video you post. ❤
Jo, i love your openness and honesty in your vlogs! It’s nice to hear someone speak on very relatable struggles as a chronically ill person. I have a question: how do you cope with the difference between ‘the future you always saw and hoped for yourself’ (when growing up, in your twenties etc.) and the reality of where you are now in life? I know it might not be a fun question, but it’s one i was confronted with the other day, and it’s been going through my mind ever since… i always saw myself as the ‘helper/do-er’ in my future, and i studied in social sciences accordingly, however, now i’m 32 and with my chronic complaints progressing, i find myself at the other side of the table, being the one needing help and not being able to fulfill the dreams i’ve had. For me: i try to find joy in little things, but lately it does sting like hell to know i’ll probably never get that life i’ve always thought off. How is that for you?
If we ignore, suppress or other wise deny our feeling (emotion) then we have the existence of a sign post holding up the STOP sign of life. We are NOT Mr. Spock. You had surgery to avoid pain and were disappointed it didn't work (at least in the immediate). I had similar expectations for my knee replacement (the 1st one), the 2nd was 11 months later. It has take about 3 years to be pain free when doing most things. I have also have a replacement shoulder that is 2 years old and it still hurts - just not as much as it used to. I am able use it for most things including pickleball but sleeping still gives me trouble. Hang in there you're doing a great job!
I've said the same about the motorcycle brand, or trike debate. It's the same wind, refardless of wheel count or brand. We all enjoy it our own way. Same with the e/pedal one. Also an adaptive rider, handcycle. Double, one AK, missing half the foot. Was riding bikes ny age 5. Dad snd I worked on them, and the otjer kids" bikes everywhere he was stationed. My first job was at the local bike shop, cleaning. Started habgibg out in the shop after hours, with the main repaitman and his daughter. Leafned a lot there. Wife and I wrench on motorcycles, and carbohydrate poeered bikes for a living now. Same woth adaptive bikes of all types. And I still ride motorcycles. Wife and I design way to adapt them so we disabled bikers can keep riding. Cyclists as well. Wife has the sane ebike, and loves it. Currently she's testing a pedal foot cage protottpe
Put on real clothes? Nah, I haven't worn socks in 4 years and regularly go through drivethroughs in my pjs and slippers. Oh, and glad you're having happy moments.
"My meat leg"....don't think I'll ever get used to that. No, not offended...just how matter of fact you say it. Good for you Jo! I enjoy these little one way "chats"....no, I don't respond to you, but I do listen and watch, in case your furry friends do something exciting...hah. Glad the move has worked! I've been there before and may find myself there again, maybe as soon as this year? So sometimes, listen to that voice in your head that says "You need a change"...and do what you can about it.
Yeah, ive been feeling the emotions thing at work. Sometimes I screw up, sometimes something isnt going well. I can have my anger, I can say "Fuck!", and take a 60 second walk around the shop, maybe a swig of water, and get back to it. Glad that you are feeling that same thing on the larger issues in life, too.
Hello from Germany! I would like to know if you ever tried mirror therapy against the phanthom pain you talked earlier about. It is a very fascinating method to reduce struggles in the nervous system. But biking is also great! Best wishes for you!
Looks like fun! I was a runner for nearly 50 years until I developed issue with my hips, but I discovered cycling made my hip feel better I am now an avid cyclist and will likely end up on e-bike someday, but not until it is necessary. I do have problems walking so it does concern me about breaking down in some remote location where I am unable to walk out, but since I have problems walking it is the only cardio I get and figure I can always call for help on my cell phone in an emergency. This gives me the incentive to keep my bicycle in top running condition and I have gone tubeless to minimize having to deal with flat tires
At the beginning of the video, when you're walking into the other room, I thought you had your nubbin wrapped in a white bandage, and it was bleeding through at the bottom. I had to rewind and pause to determine it was just the mate to the sock on your left foot. 😅
This video is so wholesome and nice I love it and how genuine it feels. Small steps toward better understanding of oneself, I hope you can continue your work for a long time.
Very cool to see such a positive video! I loved learning about this type of bike. I appreciate you posting a positive video like this instead of the usual stuff, good to see you happy. :)
Good for you Jo. You deserve to feel the feels and live your best life. ❤ I'm glad moving to a new location has given you the emotional and physical space to process through your life experiences.
I just love you. So proud of you for being brave, vulnerable, and authentic and sharing youself with us. I find empowerment and validation in many of your stories. “Feel the feels” is a mantra I needed starting 2024. Thank you. Much love to you and your furries from my brain injured corner of the world. Happy new year!
Also as for cycling, self powered, i was always last in every ride, tour or event. Now i can keep up with assist and it's opened up more riding opportunities for me. I couldn't be happier
So good to hear that you're more at peace with yourself and your feelings than you have every been. Working on that myself! I can see a change in your face/demeanor ever since you moved and I'm so glad you made that decision! Also very glad the e-bike is going to allow you to do something you enjoy with more comfort.
Jo, I'm so glad to see you achieve your happiness, it's been a long road for you. I've been an amputee for little over 2 years and I have not reached that point where I can truly say: " I've arrived" I will not bore you with the details but again it's a real pleasure when one of "us" is content.
Thank you for a great video! You've been on quite a roller coaster I think. I'm glad you've reached a point where things are becoming smoother. I certainly understand that ride. I wish you continued joy and happiness!
![Finally Telling the REAL Story: The Lawsuit Over My Amputation [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xNTBF2JTx7U/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Toughest Thing After Amputation is NOT What You'd Expect! [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OZgYUCaDnfk/mqdefault.jpg)
I'd consider myself a "real biker" and I LOVE that the ebike is an option for you, makes you feel more confident, and gets you moving. They're opening opportunities for all sorts of bodies to get out, and I'm here for it. You'll get no shade, only encouragement, from me! Enjoy the ride!
As a life-long cyclist, I have to say that a lot of happiness and a lot of healing can be had on a bike ride.
How very true. Cycling clears my mind and allows me to think, feel and problem solve.
It's so interesting how therapeutic physical exercises help us heal
@@sherlockwho5714 I find not only healing, but problem solving. I figured out solutions to work issues while exercising too.
Yes!! This!!
I refer to it as "two wheel therapy" on occasion.
I'm watching your older videos to support your present struggles. You are amazing. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable.
Being Dutch, I find the whole "real bikers hate e-bikes" thing to be hilarious.
A bike is a means of transport, not a lifestyle or sport, unless you want it to be. And getting around, no matter how you do it should be inclusive for everyone. 😊
Dutchie here, totally agree, but it still stings to get overtaken by an e-biker when you're fighting for your life with headwinds haha
@@thirza9508 If you can't beat them, join them? I love our e-bike for longer cycle trips. 😁
I'm a real biker who hates e-bikes, but I can also be practical. If that's what gets you out there, GO FOR IT! Snobby real bikers don't matter as much as you enjoying life, or in the Dutch case, getting around.
It an e-bike solves a problem for you, maybe it's being able to go as fast as your friends, maybe it's fear of being stuck. If it solves a problem that keeps you from riding a bike, that's great, embrace it.
@@phillyphakename1255both of those things in my case - chronic illness, advancing age, old injuries…
@@thirza9508usually it’s the other way around for me - non-electrified riders commonly pass me, most outings.
This genuinely gave me a revelation about something I've been struggling with lately. I've been getting better at letting myself feel and process emotions and, as you mentioned, it helps me move through those emotions faster. But the result is that I feel a lot more different emotions in a day than I'm used to. I've been criticizing myself for being "so emotional" and having "mood swings" but I'm realizing that maybe I'm just processing emotions more quickly and moving on and THAT'S A GOOD THING!
It amazes me how my brain continues to find ways to tell me im doing everything wrong even when I'm actually making improvements 😅
I'm so glad you're in a happier healthier place Jo and thank you for sharing your perspectives. ❤
I'm so happy you're going forward and making progress!! Congrats!
However, I envy people who can feel things and then let them go and be free. I have extreme mood swings every day, (I have bipolar, ADHD, BPD, social phobia, ED, etc.) and if I were to allow myself to feel every feeling I'd be even more exhausted than I am. Because once I've felt an emotion and let it go - another comes! It NEVER stops!
I avoid feeling things like crazy, I avoid music, film, TV-shows, books and so on that will make me feel emotions, because I'm constantly overflowed the way it is, and I can't take additional emotions too. I wonder how you stop feeling so much? Have less emotions and have your soul less disturbed by events? I am like a tumbleweed in the wind without roots, I get tossed wherever my feelings want me to go.
I feel so deeply, so strongly, so long, and so overwhelmingly. And one way that I've coped in the past in severe self-harm, which I'm trying to stop. But it brings fear to every strong feeling I have - will I hurt myself or not? It doesn't make the feeling less strong...
I wish I had a blank line as emotion, if even just for one day. I'm exhausted by feeling so much all the time!
@@SamirCCat I can relate to that a lot. I used to either completely dissociate or have a complete emotional breakdown. There was no in-between. Honestly it was all about finding a good trauma therapist for me. I have PTSD, Depression, social anxiety, and some ED adjacent stuff. Working through things and finding someone who can help you learn to process emotions and not just be overwhelmed by them is a game changer. I highly recommend looking for someone who does mindfulness and parts work/internal family systems. There are other things that can be helpful too but for me and many of the people I've talked to, those are the biggest ones.
I spent years going to therapists that either barely helped at all or actually made things worse. It's incredibly frustrating how many truly bad therapists are out there but try not to give up on finding a good one.
I was fortunate to learn the more I let myself feel, the more I dig into my feelings, the faster the anguish moves on.
I've had to work harder to allow myself to feel love and joy after feeling like if bad things were going on I had to feel bad about it all the time and any good feelings were a betrayal.
I was taught to keep your emotions level. I am still working to allow myself to show my emotions
I know you might not be able to speak to my experience so no pressure but as someone who loves digging into my feelings and trying to process them, I still find that the anguish clings to me fiercely despite my willingness to face these extremely uncomfortable emotions. Any ideas as to why I might be having an experience that seems to be directly opposite of yours?
My sense is that maybe even though I think I’m facing my emotions head-on, that I might still be resisting feeling some part of it and that is what amplifies my suffering? But ultimately I really don’t have a clear idea of why this is unfolding in this way for me. If you d had any experience feeling like I have, I would love to hear your perspective!
@@Amber24426 I almost wonder if it's too far the other way. Cause I think I experience some of this too, where you dig into the emotions and they are strong and sticky and follow you around. Is it that it's more likely to leave you if you take a more passive approach, maybe? Like I hear this in mindfulness, the idea of just letting your thoughts and feelings exist and drift away without clinging to them or judging them. Just noticing. I wonder if that's the balance.
Sophie is to cute i ❤how she had her arm rested on your leg as your talking she clearly loves her mama😊
As a 911 dispatcher I can't begin to tell you how liberating hearing the phrase: 'It's ok to not be ok' was the first time someone said it in a debriefing. I'm glad it's helping you too.
Windchill is a thing! Thank you for taking us on this ride. And thank you for your words
It took me years to figure out and try to piece together the lessons and how to deal with PTS. From not only a fatal car crash that I was the cause of but also being a former EMS dispatcher and hearing what I had heard which caused me to leave. The mental aspect of that and also a few close calls with death had finally changed me back in 2010 to an actual decent member of America. A lot of learning and mental health work took years to get as far as I am today. With Chronic pain to flashbacks from the past to dealing with depression. But it makes you a stronger person. I learned humility, empathy, sacrifice, and just how much pain a person can handle mentally and physically.
Happy new year Jo! I gotta say, I’m still into the day in the life with me type of videos. Also, when I saw the helmet on in the thumbnail, my first thought for some reason was that you were going to horse back riding lol. Proud of you with how far you’ve come! Keep being you!
Thank you for the dog cameo 😊. I love the new chapter in your life. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a great weekend!
I never realized how much I didn’t feel my emotions until the person that was very nearly my partner went to college and didn’t make time for me. She stopped texting me, and didn’t call when we planned to. I was also coming of an SSRI, and I was feeling things more. It was overwhelming at first, but just allowing myself to be hurt and to cry was really freeing. Now I feel okay enough to accept it’s out of my control. It’s up to her
Thank you Jo. For sharing your emotional insights and your inspirational adventures and your kickass ride. Stay safe out there. Much love and happiness
For me finding a bike (well trike) which allowed me to ride again instead of being stuck at home or just about manage to walk to the car and back was kinda like getting my life back.
Yes, if I compare my own performance with others on Strava I'm hopeless but I don't, my trike is what got me back to cycling which has given me a new lease on life!
Jo, a history lesson. Why are 2 litre soda containers plastic and not glass? Well, when they started bottling such a large amount, they were glass and the carbonated soda would pressure up and explode the glass bottle. Same thing with feelings we bury. They build up pressure, either exploding or poisoning us from the inside. You sound so good right now, you have started to deal with and release the pressure that repressing these feelings created. And, some humour to add to your day. You look great, you've got 2 beautiful legs and I don't care if God didn't make a part of one of them, it's a part of you. And lastly, if the neck scar doesn't totally disappear, don't worry. Think of it as a permanent hickey that felt incredible (and use that exact phrase if anyone is rude enough to ask about it).
I'm a 'real' cyclist and have been most of life, as well as being a cycling advocate and fighting to make cycling safer. I can say unequivocally that ebike riders are cyclists. I know many people with injuries, diseases or disabilities who would not otherwise be able to ride. The of us there, the better for everyone.
Hell yeah. Iove my ebike. Cycling lanes should link up though. On my roads I have to flirt with double trailer trucks going past at 80kph. No lane at all, just edge on white line. Freaky.
real bikers love anything that gets you out of the house & turning pedals. Everyone should ride a bike, its a great way to get physically & mentally fit.
Sometimes a change in your location/surroundings is the best way to shed trauma, stress, and all the things you describe. Glad you have found healing along the way.
Your co-host has stolen the show yet again.
If you're not going to put out a new video, (which sounds reasonable!) I'll go find older ones in order to help out. Wishing you peace and healing.
It shows in your voice and on your face. You just put me in a better attitude for today. Thanks Jo.
I always loved your chats like this on your other channel. You always have something that resonates.
Thanks for sharing, Jo! Good to hear things are going well. Keep growing and keep the videos coming!
I feel you. I don't like my emotions either. I've been trying to point them out (what is that emotion), acknowledge them, and convince myself that's it's okay to feel frustrated, sad, and angry. For so long, I've believed that it was best to hide them and ignore it until it all burst out. I did have some healthy coping mechanisms like writing, and eventually talking to my mom about it (through middle school therapy), but it's still scary. I'm an adult now, and I'm only just getting around to identifying emotions that are often hard to identify, and letting myself feel them/accepting those feelings
if people havent heard jo had a mild stroke feb 4 fb post .were hoping you fully recover soon
Aw im so happy for you!! I found a lot of healing after moving as well. Still have a long ways to go though. And I love the day in the life style!
Isn't it great to be in your happy place. So happy for you.
Man, I hope creators don't abandon "day in the life" videos due to the algorithm or trends etc (no clue about the terminology) - I love them! Really enjoyed this video, and so thrilled to hear of how things are going for you, Jo. Thanks for sharing.
This is such a beautiful video ❤
I'm so happy for you!
It's astonishing how we're on completely different journeys and in completely different locations but to think that someone else, anyone else, most notably yourself, can be going through or having gotten through such similar experiences is absolutely incredible and so encouraging. I was recently (as in yesterday) inquired as to why I live in the city I do? "What justification do you have for staying?" My thoughts on that; the year lease I just signed, the new job I just started and the fact that family is close... But those "justifications" are really just excuses to not let go of the situations I went through. This is and has been tough considering everything that happened to push me to making these decisions. I guess I said all of that as a round about way to say that we're not so different. Thank you.
Feelings are important to stay intouch with. That said I was happy you finished about the ebike. I've been considering getting one the last few years. And im leaning more towards the trike and here's why. I had my below the knee amputation on my right leg two months ago and im 64 years old. My crazy "X"tream days are behind me and i just want something to get me around like when I go to the beach to do some surf fishing, or around my neighborhood or a campground. And I love the added benefit of having the rear basket for carrying some fishing gear ( or maybe a cooler with a few ice cold beers. Hey im a little older now but I'm not dead yet either 😅). Anyway seeing you on the fat tire ebike has me considering getting one was nice. Fyi I had my stump measured a few days ago and was told they expect me to get my first leg in about a month and a half so im getting a bit excited. I subscribed to your channel about a month ago and it's helped a great deal so thank you. Have a great dayy. 😁👍🍻🌞
I have post-viral chronic fatigue syndrome, and my ebike time is some of the happiest time of my week.
One of the effects of medical transition (gender) for me was that, after a couple of months, it felt like I could actually experience the full set of human emotions instead of mostly just anger, sadness, and pain. About four months in, a very small event in the grand scheme of things triggered a *massive* crying fit, like everything I suppressed through the emotional self-mutilation required by toxic masculinity was suddenly hitting all at once. It was so intensely cathartic, even if it was more than a little surreal to turn into a teenage girl at the age of 39. Things got really bad before they got better, but at the same time, I found myself experiencing unalloyed, pure happiness for what felt like the first time in my life. I'm so glad you're feeling so much better, too.
Happy New Year and a few days!.
Congratulations on taking those huge steps of moving to a new area and giving you the space and time to be you.
History is something that we cannot avoid, as much as we would like to at times. Now you have a place to write your own history on your own terms. That can be an amazing journey, for sure it is a learning experience.
I like the Ebike. That is a fantastic option and a great tool as you wonderfully and simply explained. So much so that I am now seriously consider getting an ebike.
It is so liberating when we give ourselves the room and freedom to have emotions and to deal with them. As you said, we have them, deal with them, and move on in life getting to enjoy our next emotions.
Safe trails Jo.
Soooo glad to watch this episode. You look cool on your e bike and it looks like you're having fun on it. Enjoy Jo!!!!
I recently found your channel and have found it thoroughly interesting. I love people and learning their unique perspective w on things and you really are exceptional at verbalizing your own thoughts and feelings. Truly fascinating for me! Thank you for sharing with us!
This video made me so happy!
I'm learning how to feel my emotions too. When I cry, I jokingly refer to it as "taking an emotional shit" because it's gonna come out somehow and better to be in control of it 😂
Moving is scary! I was with my ex-fiance for 4 years and realized that wasn't what I wanted. I ended up moving 1000 miles away and have never looked back. I'm now happy moving away from everything that made me miserable.
Thanks for being you.!
HNY!; and many merry moments to you as well
Seeing you happy is such a wonderful thing! I struggle with how my emotions affect my thoughts and try to remember that it's ok to not be ok. Hugs!
also get my leg on, sounds like a perfect title for some Stand up comedy, ever thought about it???
I'm so happy for you! I am currently writing my final university essay, then in late february will start a 13 week professionals course required for my ideal career. While I don't have a post-grad job lined up yet, I have taken the plunge and resigned from the part-time job I have worked for seven years, since I was in high school. The past 5 years of uni have been very rocky for me, losing my best friend and then my dad suddenly, having to help mum financially, finally accepting it was time to sell our family home but then the market tanked so mum had to take quite the hit and it took so long to sell. I am so excited at the thought of seven weeks just to be me. Go for bike rides, walk my dog, make a scrapbook of photos from the amazing trip to Europe my sister and I were able to do a couple of months ago, and finally unpack since we moved into our new home the week before Christmas. I'm hoping some calmer weeks will give me time to actually process everything that happened in the past 5 years. Also what a relief it must be going for rides on the e-bike knowing it can take you the whole way home if needed - opens up so much freedom for you!
Cool bike Jo. Glad you are feeling good. Love seeing Sophie, as always. It appears you are using the new foot as well in this cycling video and you movement seems much more at ease as it seems to work with you so much better. Something as simple as watching you deploy the kick stand @00:12 seemed so "normal".
Hey, happy to hear you are moving in a good direction now. Treat yourself well, you deserve it. Happy for you!
I saw your video pop up with the title, happiest I've been, so I just had to stop watching my Swifty videos and check out what you had to say. I see that you moved. From a person that has moved a lot, currently in Montana moving itself can really give a person a boost from stagnating in one place. Great to hear you are doing better.
The ‘geographical cure’ can, in fact, be a positive thing. Happy New Year, Jo!
That's so weird that your phantom pain tells you your foot is cold! The brain is so bizarre! ❤
I do identify with the feelings management thing. I didn't even realize i was going that. I've also been working on it. I had been hyper critical of myself when sad. Well you know what? I'm dealing with a really sad situation and i may cry for awhile but I'll feel better after. It sure beats struggling with anxiety about my valid feelings... That's how i look at it.. ❤
Bike safety is never silly 🚲
'Scuse me young lady but why is your dog so darn cute??😅
My favorite thing I learned from my dad was “crying is a sign of weakness” so I learned to not cry and just be angry instead. Fast forward to being married and my husband has taught me that it’s ok to cry, heck he will even hold me when I do. 😊
And oh being independent on your own is the best feeling anyone can treasure
You made the right decision and it's a beautiful place where your at. The less people you are around the better life you will enjoy
Everyone should wear a helmet biking
That pin-lock socket is a really interesting piece of tech. Life has been incredibly difficult for you. I would. not have been able to cope with anything as well as you. I am so glad you are finally able to feel a bit happier. You deserve it.
Thanks Jo. This resonated with me.
Cool bike
Thank you for your positivity. It is badly needed in the world at the moment. And a Happy new yeat to you to.
I really miss biking. I had a stroke at 33 due to sleep apnea (10 years ago), and since then my balance has been off. I wasnt able to go back to work in any reasonable fashion - so I wrestled with social security for years. Once I finally got my SSI, and all my other bills were paid off, I bought an E-bike. Unfortunately, I found riding to be impossible (without looking like a drunk child). I ended up giving it to my brother in law, even though it was expensive as hell (for me). I may try a recumbent bike at some point, but it's just not the same.
I can totally relate to telling people they need to feel their feelings but burying my own under unhealthy coping mechanisms. I'm 41 and it took me til about 35 to realize I wasn't "too sensitive" I was just made to think that by people who didn't know how to handle processing their own emotions either. Now when I let myself feel, like you said, it's like a 20 minute meltdown and then I feel like I'm "done". I don't have to carry it around for the next 20 years. It sucks in that moment, but boy does it feel great after. 😂 That bike is awesome too. I'm pretty broke at the moment, but maybe someday I can invest in one. I am quite obese right now and have Fibromyalgia and a bad back so I too have a lot of fears that if I bike somewhere (which I used to love) I might end up not being able to get back. But it would be awesome to be able to do as much as I could on a given day and then head back.
Did you know that you can can convert any old (or new) bike into an E-Bike for $500?
There's pros and cons as usual, but I kinda don't wanna manhandle a 70-pound monster on public anymore :P
On the nose Jo! I’m so happy you are getting the word out there about feeling the feels. My Husband whom is still recovering in a rehab/nursing home from a btk amputation and sepsis have gone through together so many emotions the past few months. Anger, grief, anxiety, depression.. and now we are at hope.. hopeful that he will recover from the GI surgeries and revision on his limb, hopeful that he will be able to keep making progress daily on his PT and regain his muscle mass back to be fitted for a prosthetic and we are at peace finally with the cards that were dealt to us and we see a bight future for us both. He is my best friend and I say We because I told him at the very beginning of this journey that he is not alone, I will be there every step of the way holding his hand. Thank you Jo for once again educating us all on the hardest part of life’s journey, the mind can take you to some pretty dark places but your heart.. your heart can lead you out of them. Needless to say that you are never alone, this community you have built loves you and we appreciates you more and more with every video you post. ❤
Jo, i love your openness and honesty in your vlogs! It’s nice to hear someone speak on very relatable struggles as a chronically ill person. I have a question: how do you cope with the difference between ‘the future you always saw and hoped for yourself’ (when growing up, in your twenties etc.) and the reality of where you are now in life? I know it might not be a fun question, but it’s one i was confronted with the other day, and it’s been going through my mind ever since… i always saw myself as the ‘helper/do-er’ in my future, and i studied in social sciences accordingly, however, now i’m 32 and with my chronic complaints progressing, i find myself at the other side of the table, being the one needing help and not being able to fulfill the dreams i’ve had. For me: i try to find joy in little things, but lately it does sting like hell to know i’ll probably never get that life i’ve always thought off. How is that for you?
If we ignore, suppress or other wise deny our feeling (emotion) then we have the existence of a sign post holding up the STOP sign of life. We are NOT Mr. Spock. You had surgery to avoid pain and were disappointed it didn't work (at least in the immediate). I had similar expectations for my knee replacement (the 1st one), the 2nd was 11 months later. It has take about 3 years to be pain free when doing most things. I have also have a replacement shoulder that is 2 years old and it still hurts - just not as much as it used to. I am able use it for most things including pickleball but sleeping still gives me trouble. Hang in there you're doing a great job!
I've said the same about the motorcycle brand, or trike debate. It's the same wind, refardless of wheel count or brand. We all enjoy it our own way.
Same with the e/pedal one. Also an adaptive rider, handcycle. Double, one AK, missing half the foot.
Was riding bikes ny age 5. Dad snd I worked on them, and the otjer kids" bikes everywhere he was stationed. My first job was at the local bike shop, cleaning. Started habgibg out in the shop after hours, with the main repaitman and his daughter. Leafned a lot there.
Wife and I wrench on motorcycles, and carbohydrate poeered bikes for a living now. Same woth adaptive bikes of all types. And I still ride motorcycles.
Wife and I design way to adapt them so we disabled bikers can keep riding. Cyclists as well.
Wife has the sane ebike, and loves it. Currently she's testing a pedal foot cage protottpe
Put on real clothes? Nah, I haven't worn socks in 4 years and regularly go through drivethroughs in my pjs and slippers. Oh, and glad you're having happy moments.
"My meat leg"....don't think I'll ever get used to that. No, not offended...just how matter of fact you say it. Good for you Jo!
I enjoy these little one way "chats"....no, I don't respond to you, but I do listen and watch, in case your furry friends do something exciting...hah. Glad the move has worked! I've been there before and may find myself there again, maybe as soon as this year? So sometimes, listen to that voice in your head that says "You need a change"...and do what you can about it.
Yeah, ive been feeling the emotions thing at work. Sometimes I screw up, sometimes something isnt going well. I can have my anger, I can say "Fuck!", and take a 60 second walk around the shop, maybe a swig of water, and get back to it.
Glad that you are feeling that same thing on the larger issues in life, too.
Hello from Germany! I would like to know if you ever tried mirror therapy against the phanthom pain you talked earlier about. It is a very fascinating method to reduce struggles in the nervous system. But biking is also great! Best wishes for you!
I have an aunt who lives in CO Springs (today is actually her birthday). I'm sad you're no longer in that community.
Looks like fun! I was a runner for nearly 50 years until I developed issue with my hips, but I discovered cycling made my hip feel better I am now an avid cyclist and will likely end up on e-bike someday, but not until it is necessary. I do have problems walking so it does concern me about breaking down in some remote location where I am unable to walk out, but since I have problems walking it is the only cardio I get and figure I can always call for help on my cell phone in an emergency. This gives me the incentive to keep my bicycle in top running condition and I have gone tubeless to minimize having to deal with flat tires
Not related to your video- just saw your Nurtec commercial and cheered for you when I saw you in it! Congratulations and speedy recovery.
At the beginning of the video, when you're walking into the other room, I thought you had your nubbin wrapped in a white bandage, and it was bleeding through at the bottom. I had to rewind and pause to determine it was just the mate to the sock on your left foot. 😅
I tried biking with my amputation but my foot would slip off the pedal because of no ankle, I did install toe clips which solved the problem..
🚲 💜
It's great to hear that the move is improving your quality of life.
That freezing feeling is from the ghost of your leg 😊
This video is so wholesome and nice I love it and how genuine it feels. Small steps toward better understanding of oneself, I hope you can continue your work for a long time.
Very cool to see such a positive video! I loved learning about this type of bike. I appreciate you posting a positive video like this instead of the usual stuff, good to see you happy. :)
Happy New Year Jo!
Thank you. I am also a person who has been preaching this and still needs to practice it. All of this just resonated so much with me.
I don't know how to allow myself feel emotions. I feel anger, sadness, sorrow alright, but everything else feels dull and distant.
Inspiring video, Jo. Thank you. Happy travels on your bike.
🚴✌❤
Love to see you smiling, Jo 😊💖
Please give pups hugs from me 😊
Love and greetings from Nigeria. You are such a genuine person. It's good hearing from you.
I feel powerless watching your videos. And thats a good thing. Because now I can do what I can to fix that, if I can. And let the rest go
Oh my, you couldn't give me an odometer on a bike. I'd only want to see how high I could get the number! 😂
Your Posts are such great reminders of so many things - on so many different levels! Happy New Year Jo - have a great day and year!
Good for you Jo. You deserve to feel the feels and live your best life. ❤ I'm glad moving to a new location has given you the emotional and physical space to process through your life experiences.
I just love you. So proud of you for being brave, vulnerable, and authentic and sharing youself with us. I find empowerment and validation in many of your stories. “Feel the feels” is a mantra I needed starting 2024. Thank you. Much love to you and your furries from my brain injured corner of the world. Happy new year!
I love this. Thank you for sharing your day and what's on your mind. :)
So proud of you sweetheart jo you hsve been through so much you are a amazing strong resilient woman love and look up too you
Ah yes, that is very true *BUT* that is a really-really cute dog.
How can I not listen to a girl who is so in love with German Shepherds?
Also as for cycling, self powered, i was always last in every ride, tour or event. Now i can keep up with assist and it's opened up more riding opportunities for me. I couldn't be happier
I am so glad you are happy again and to see your beautiful smile, happy new year you xx
So good to hear that you're more at peace with yourself and your feelings than you have every been. Working on that myself! I can see a change in your face/demeanor ever since you moved and I'm so glad you made that decision! Also very glad the e-bike is going to allow you to do something you enjoy with more comfort.
Thank you Jo!! Love watching your updates and thoughts. :)
Thanks for the video Jo! I'm so glad that you're allowing yourself to really feel now! :)
Jo, I'm so glad to see you achieve your happiness, it's been a long road for you. I've been an amputee for little over 2 years and I have not reached that point where I can truly say: " I've arrived" I will not bore you with the details but again it's a real pleasure when one of "us" is content.
Thank you for a great video! You've been on quite a roller coaster I think. I'm glad you've reached a point where things are becoming smoother. I certainly understand that ride. I wish you continued joy and happiness!
SPOTLIGHT DOGGOS MORE. Oh and like..happy you are dealing with stuffs better. MORE DOGGOS!