Over the last few years, my immediate family has been experiencing more than our fair share of ongoing challenges. At first I was more impatient and angry with others, but now I am more patient, more understanding, and if I see a situation where I can help ease some one else's burden, or brighten their day, I do it. As far as how it relates to cycling, I yield more, stop to help fix more flats and chains, true a few wheels and adjust brakes, and sometimes simply ring my bell, smile and wave to acknowledge other riders, especially young kids with their parents.

I am a realist, however, and I will check my surroundings and decide if I am putting myelf at risk.

But, this is the 50+ forum, and I assume that by this age most people have been knocked down a peg or two by misfortune, or at least learned some empathy some how.