9 Ways Motorcycles Teach Self-Worth : Liz Jansen

Self-worth respects and acknowledges who you are. Yet sometimes you overlook your self in your quest to serve others. What you do for your motorcycle you must do for your self.

9 Ways Motorcycles Teach Self-Worth

Choose your company wisely. You won’t let just anyone sit on your bike or take it for a ride. So why would you share your time with those who don’t respect who you are and will drain your energy?

Feed it high quality nutrients. Your owner’s manual will tell you what grade of oil, fuel and brake fluid to use. Skimping can affect performance and your safety. Feeding your body a well-balanced diet of quality food, enhances physical health. Accepting positive thoughts and emotions and stopping the negative from using your energy keeps your spirit healthy.

Care for it with appropriate products. Specific cleaners are designed for paint, plastic, chrome and windscreens. Even a good cleaner used for the wrong application can damage the surface. Your body is happiest when you care for it with healthy products, free of harsh chemicals and produced in an environmentally responsible manner. Read: There’s Lead In Your Lipstick

Listen to what it’s telling you. If your motorcycle starts sounding, looking or feeling different, check it out. Recently I felt a strange sensation through the rear brake pedal as I was stopping. When I checked the brake pads, they were worn out. I was surprised because it happened at low mileage, but because took immediate action, there was no damage to the rotors. Your physical body and intuition sends you messages regularly. Listen to what it’s saying. It could save your life.

Use it. Bikes that sit in storage for extended periods of time can rust and seize up. They were made to be used and can’t serve their purpose while sitting in a garage. You were made to be on your Road too and actively fulfilling your unique purpose.

Rest. A bike will go for extended distances without needing down time. But you do need to refuel, check the tire pressure, adjust the chain, check the oil, etc. You need to rest and refuel body, mind and spirit as well, especially on strenuous parts of your journey.

Maintenance. Your owner’s manual tells you the frequency with which to perform routine maintenance, like oil changes, replacing spark plugs or air filter. It promotes optimal performance and prevents premature wear. Regular exercise, physical examination, screening tests all help keep you in top shape and give you early alerts if something is going wrong.

Join a community. Between manufacturers, affinity groups, retailers, mechanics and aftermarket accessories, there is a wide support network of resources for your motorcycles. You need the same thing. This means finding others who share your interests, getting involved and contributing your time and resources to help others. The more you’re engaged in life, the more joy and fulfillment you receive from it.

Adjust to the circumstances. If you’re going to be carrying a passenger or are loaded with luggage, you adjust the suspension. If you encounter a storm, you adjust your speed or pull off to let it blow over. Life throws you all kinds of curve balls. Being resilient, flexible and taking it in stride not only gets you through, it also makes you stronger.

Whether it’s your motorcycle or body, mind and spirit, they need regular care to function optimally and allow you to flourish.