So I've been biking a lot lately. Taking advantage of the weather as well as the escarpment trails. Yesterday was my wife's birthday, so I bought her a bike. As we were riding down to the harbour for a little breakfast, we discussed the idea of riding our bikes with no hands. I thought about my face, and how much I like it. Why would I risk falling on it? Then I thought about being a kid. All I wanted to do was be like the big kids. They were riding around with no hands and looking so cool. That's what I wanted. So over time I built up the courage and faith in my bike to do it. I didn't think about my face, or breaking a bone or anything like that. I was focused on the task and just went for it. I was 10 and I was free.
What happened to me? All of these "what ifs" popping into my head 20 some years later. When did I lose my sense of adventure? I learned to ride this way when I was 10. Why can't I do it now, in my thirties?
I sat over breakfast pondering this dilemna. Somewhere along the way I became a wuss. I let logic talk me out of doing something adventurous. As I savoured my cinnamon- raisin french toast, I couldn't help but feel remorseful about the person I'd become. I didn't want that adventure seeker to die. So, with a full belly, and a fresh perspective. I biked back home. And, as I turned down my street, I let go. Did I mention that it was down hill? The speed kept building and building and building. My eyes got wider. My smile got bigger. I didn't crash! My wonderful face is still in tact. I even waved at my neighbour as I passed by. He must have thought I was so cool. Or not.
It doesn't matter. What matters is that in some small way I claimed that adventurous 10 year old back. I'm still here. If I can attach a lesson for my life from this experience. It's just to simply: have faith. Ride thru life sometimes with no hands. If you're battling insecurities, or fears or anything that is holding you back from "living"...let go.
God Bless
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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