Get on your bike and ride it!

So, to steer away a bit from the mood of my last post, I’m going to tell myself (and all of you) a story that’s pretty relevant to me right now. I recently stumbled upon a greeting card that unearthed some memories. It was a small and simple card. Blank inside. The image on the front showed a man with a beard, smiling, holding onto a small bike on which a little girl was sitting. A man teaching his daughter how to ride.

My dad taught me to ride a bike. I think I was maybe 8? My dad took me to the parking lot of the Catholic church, and I would pedal round on the blacktop while he held onto the back of the bike. I was scared. Really afraid of him letting go. I don’t know how many times we went to that parking lot to practice riding. It seemed to me like it took weeks, but maybe we just went a few times. I guess I just wanted him to keep holding onto the bike for me forever. I wonder if I would have ever asked him to let go on my own. He really tried to ease me into it, but eventually his patience wore thin. I remember he was sharp with me, or at least short with me. He was not going to hold the bike anymore. He told me to just do it! And so, left with no other option, I finally did.

Now when I look back at that moment, it’s from a completely shifted perspective. Riding a bike is something that brings me joy and allows me to spend more time outside delighting in the turns of the seasons- leaves budding out here, the marvelous curve of a branch there, the spray of powerful waves on the lake, the marvelous feeling of warm springtime air on your skin. Bicycling makes me feel powerful, independent. Bold even. I may not be the fastest or the strongest cyclist, but I am confident in my ability to eventually get to wherever I want to go, and I’m happy to enjoy the whole process. No fear now.

I think I can draw many parallels between this typical childhood experience and my current transition period. Yes, it seems scary. But pushing off in a new direction can bring wonderful things, and it encourages personal growth and development. I may not feel like I’m ready. But all I need is a little push.