Keep Riding

In every challenge or obstacle lies a lesson.

I remember the first day I learned to ride a bicycle. It was a beautiful afternoon, summer was almost over. The leaves on the trees were beginning to welcome Autumn.

My dad ushered me onto the bike. Gently he encouraged me to keep my eyes ahead to the horizon and let my feet do the pedaling. It is amazing that years later his wisdom of riding a bike still sticks with me: keep my eyes ahead to the horizon and let my feet do the walking.

He held the seat of the bike and stayed by my side… the handle bars wobbled as I tried to keep straight, attempting to maintain coordination my feet peddled away. All the while my dads soothing voice of encouragement was by my side: “you’re doing great!”, “keep going!”.

I was so focused in the moment, enjoying the thrill of the experience, the wind gingerly blowing by…the sound of leaves cheering me on and I totally forgot that my father was by my side. For a moment I forgot that I ‘didn’t’ know how to ride a bicycle, I was riding my bike and wanted to tell my dad that I was ‘doing it’: “Papi, I’m doing it!” I shouted with glee.

I quickly glanced over my shoulder thinking I would find my dad there and the astonishment that I had been peddling all by myself startled me so that I lost control and ‘bam!’ I hit the pavement! Ah the memories!

My dad smiling sheepishly started running towards me all the while saying, “Get back up, you can do it!”. Yes, he was right… and I did!

Life is like riding a bike, if you don’t peddle you’ll miss the adventure.

Yes, some days it will be hot and the sun can be unbearable, you may get caught in the middle of a rain shower – but what the heck! That’s what towels are made for… to dry up! You may fall, but that’s okay get yourself back up. Sometimes you may have to stop to adjust the chain, perhaps add some oil to keep the parts running smooth, maybe take a break to look around. But most important, ride your bike. Keep riding.

The promises of the horizon are so beautiful and the journey well worth it, remember… there will be wonderful adventures along the way. My dad always said: “Once you learn how to ride a bike you never forget”.

Daisy Says: Keep your eyes ahead of the horizon and let your feet take you there.