Society feeds us a dream of “streamlined everything.” We are so used to this idea of having a vision, filling a task list, and executing it seamlessly that we can miss our present moments being too caught up in what’s “next.” This episode talks about ways to be more present in the ebb and flow of life with today’s special guest Ron Rothberg.
Personally, one of the times I feel most present is when I’m visiting National Parks. Out in nature is where I can stop the mind chatter, and be in awe of the beauty around me. It’s those moments that I really reflect on the “being” state versus the “doing” state. Ron is a longtime friend, and we watched each other evolve. He went on a 9 month road trip to be more present, while he started a new business and enlisted community support.
Ron Rothberg is the founder of the electric bike rental service Art Bikes Jax, which is a fleet of electric bikes available to rent so people can explore public art, historic neighborhoods and beautiful parks in and around Jacksonville’s urban core. Ron is also the co-host of Swan Dive podcast alongside his friend Stu Sheldon. At the end of 2019, Ron decided to look more into his passion outside of the corporate world. His search took him on a 9 month RV road trip with his wife, Christine. Ron launched Art Bikes Jax while on the road trip connecting with people nationwide. His passion attracted a community wherever he went, even being awarded the Cultural Council of Jacksonville 2021 Art Innovator Award.
On EP 71’s Wise Walk, Ron and I discuss why it’s such a challenge to stay focused on the present without getting distracted by what’s “next.” No one can escape the realities of life; that’s why staying present is a gift. The “doing” state is based on muscle memory we built by the patterns in the past, but with focus and practice, we can create more “being” muscle memory. Constant fast-paced living can make it difficult to slow down. Join this conversation to reflect on these Wise Walk questions and more:
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- What do you stand for?
- What do you need to release to be more present?
- What “long game” is calling you?
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After traveling across the country Ron says people often asked him: “What’s it like to live the dream?” The dream was freedom and travel, but that dream also came with ebbs and flows. Would everyone be willing to accept the dream fully as it unfolds and pivot along with it?
Listen as Ron and I try to pinpoint the moments we give ourselves permission to just “be” in the present. We discuss growth-mates versus soulmates, finding community, and unlocking the gift of life with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What is something you can take off your plate that you only hold onto worrying about external expectations?
- What are the communities that you can connect with that will bring you closer to that space?
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Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow and review the True Stride podcast as we continue to exchange our light and Heart Value with each other.
In this episode:
[00:23] – Welcome to the show!
[02:41] – Ron Rothberg thinks you don’t need a blueprint to follow passion, just the courage to take the first step.
[05:10] – Ron and his wife spent 9 months on the US Roads in an RV. What was it like?
[06:46] – The challenge is to be present without too much focus on what’s “next”.
[08:44] – Ron describes the inevitable spontaneity of finding places to stay for his RV trip and the beauty of the country.
[11:25] – Ron talks about his way of slowing down to quiet the mind chatter.
[12:59] – What about the days where you can’t quiet the mind chatter?
[14:28] – Muscle memory helps us develop that sense of peace and quiet, but it can also do the opposite. Can you change your muscle memory?
[17:19] – Ron says that his business started and evolved while on the RV trip.
[19:37] – What’s the lesson of building a business with your own vision?
[21:51] – Mary Tess talks about not forcing anything in the ebb and flow of navigating life.
[23:49] – What happens if we don’t honor the signals our body sends us?
[26:16] – Sometimes we all get caught up in our mind chatter, labels, and the world around us.
[28:10] – Make sure you have the flexibility to pivot, even when the situation is not ideal.
[30:45] – How did Ron find balance individually while taking such a long trip with his spouse?
[33:00] – Mary Tess and Ron share thoughts on the ebbs and flows in relationships.
[35:54] – Identify your triggers to shift your perspective.
[38:05] – The Universe is placing events together and giving you a gift.
[40:13] – What do you stand for?
[42:48] – Give yourself grace in the marathon of life.
[44:10] – Find ways to get closer to the true essence of alignment by connecting with communities.
[47:05] – Your journey may take you to places better than you ever expected.
[49:15] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “I don’t think you need a full blueprint, but you need to take that first step.” – Ron
- “Sometimes our mind chatter gets so caught up in what we think they expect of us or what we think is the ‘right’ thing to do. When it comes down to it, I always go back to: If I don’t have my health, if I can’t be fully present in this body that the Universe has gifted me, and if I don’t take care of that, then what’s the point?” – Mary Tess
- “You are going to ebb and flow into ideal situations, but sometimes you won’t, and that’s okay.” – Ron
- “As you look at your calendar, your week, or even your day, is there something you’re doing… not because it lights you up, but because there is this external pressure that you feel, and you think it’s just ‘easier’ to go along with versus honor whatever resistance you feel within yourself?” – Mary Tess
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