At the age of 32, a friend suggested, “sit in the nude & stare into a mirror.” So, I did. And after staring (for 10 minutes) at my face, arms, stomach, eyes, feet, and legs, I realized the mirror reflection did not match up with the words pouring out of my mouth. So, I put down the cocaine; stopped hanging out at “The Endup”; quit drowning in vanity; and became a positive addition to humanity by participating in California AIDS Ride #2 [supporting the efforts of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation]. The 545-mile bike experience changed my life while assisting in relieving the suffering of others. Presently, I've completed 20 AIDS Ride Bike Journeys on this very same path. I am very “proud” of my personal life changes. From a cocaine addict to a road cyclist to a yoga teacher to a marathon runner to a swimmer. It all began with that first 545-mile, 7-day bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. One pedal at a time .. . . . And one hell of a journey . . . . Read More: http://ynottony.com/ynot/aidslifecycle/