If it’s not fun, why do it?

Recovery from and building a new life after brain injury presents many challenges; however, struggle and facing adversity are simply facts of life, faced by all people, albeit at varying degrees. I’m not trying to be a downer or insinuate that life is something to be endured, suggesting a nobleness or inevitability of struggle; rather to highlight that we all can connect through these shared difficult human experiences. After reading the above title in quotations, you’re probably feeling deceived and waiting for the fun…I promise it’s on the way.

While life involves many tasks or activities that most certainly would not be considered fun, a fact which on its’ face contradicts this post’s title; as with many statements, I see “If it’s not fun, why do it?” not meant to be taken quite literally. In all practicality, a life solely lived in the pursuit of fun seems to be impossible, unless the individual has reached a state of mindful living which withholds judgment on all things (but then again would anything be considered fun?). But I digress: What I feel this statement accurately highlights is the human tendency to be drawn to activities that we enjoy. Put in another way, people are more likely to spend their time engaged in things they find fun or enjoyable.

Wow! Fun or enjoyable activities, sounds a lot like “Recreation”. This doesn’t really seem to mesh with the direction that this posts’ introduction seemed to be headed on with the opening sentence containing words like challenge, struggle, and adversity. But after participating in an amazing fundraiser for Krempels Center, The King Challenge, last weekend; I want highlight this great event and what makes it possible.

Beginning in 2011, this annual ride benefitting Krempels Center has raised well over a million dollars! With inspiration and support of the King family’s 2 former professional cyclist sons as well as Patriarch and fellow KC member Dr. Ted King, The King Challenge has become a real Fall classic in the area. The ride consists of either a 10, 30, or 60 mile course starting and ending at Timberland’s Statham, NH location, but my favorite is the Doc King Adaptive Ride. The adaptive Ride occurs on a half mile loop around the 3 other courses starting and ending lines where all of the day’s festivities occur; including food vendors, music, and a great climbing wall! Many Krempels’ members participate in the ride facilitated by UNH’s Northeast Passage:

“The mission of Northeast Passage is to empower people living with disabling conditions, both visible and invisible, to define, pursue and achieve whole life health, community engagement and fulfillment through the purposeful use of sports and recreation; to develop and promote best practices in the fields of Therapeutic Recreation and Adaptive Sports.” ( https://www.nepassage.org/about)

I’ve been fortunate to ride a recumbent bike fit to me by Northeast Passage for I believe all of the Challenge’s editions now and must say it’s an absolute blast. While I don’t necessarily ride the bike as a form of physical therapy, the combination of the benefits from physical activity with the endorphin rush of exertion makes for a great day! To see the community come together to support KC and be cheered on by the other participants really means a lot. I guess you could call it a true win-win, or rather a win-win-win…Participants have a great time, Krempels Center is supported with important funding, and a lot of people receive the benefits of recreation!