Life Lesson: What Learning To Ride A Bike as An Adult Taught Me

Every time we pass by the area, where the untroubled waters of the Rideau Canal are, the husband and I would imagine ourselves cycling on its trails. We had conversations about one day owning a bicycle. Come summer, when the pathway is canopied by lush trees and bright flowers swinging with the beat of the sunset breeze.

The problem is, I don't know how to ride a bike. But never mind that. I don't own a bike anyway.
  Life Lesson: What Learning To Ride A Bike as An Adult Taught Me
[photo source]

Then one day...

"I'm going to pick up my online order at the store." The husband informed.

"Huh, what did you buy?" 

"Your bicycle". He brushes off the concern written on my face.

But... but... I wasn't ready yet. No one is 100% ready until the time comes.

A short walking distance from our apartment complex, on the school grounds, is where I did my first round. To find my balance, my hubby supported the back of my seat with his hands. We look funny but it's twilight and most people are having dinner indoors so I didn't care much.

On day one, after practice, I spat lots of complaints. The seat is too high. The bicycle is heavy. I had difficulty finding balance on bumpy paths. It's painful down there. Blah blah.

On day two, we started on a trail adjacent to the school. The next is on a trail surrounding our neighborhood block. In less than a week, we tackled the long trails. We mounted our bikes to the back of our car and cycled the routes next to the Ottawa River and then to Rideau Canal. Yay!

Not to be boastful but it can be done. Anyone can learn to ride a bike in less than a week. Determination is key. Albeit, not as good as those with more experience but good enough to swerve left and right. Able to follow the path. Not hit passersby and the street lights and other objects.

If there's one thing I've learned from the experience it would be to be more confident with my decisions. The moment I waver, my bike wobbles. If I decide to go left or right or stop, then I have to commit to it. 

for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind...
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
~ James 1:6-8

This I also started to apply in other areas of my life. Mainly in my work, testing/writing software code.

Whether it be a new job or trying to learn a skill, we don't expect to be an expert overnight. Of course, there's this growing frustration deep inside to absorb everything in one go but everyone knows it takes time. Progress requires perseverance until it becomes evident. 

Of course, I had to practice every day to become better. Also, I challenge myself -- bicycling-related -- to keep on improving little by little.

The first days, weeks, or months doing something new may look like frantic rapids streaming on fast-flowing waters. We want to go fast. There are lots of hurdles. Perhaps sleepless nights too. But as we get good at what we do, we get more decisive and stable in our ways. 

As I pedal my bike next to the calm waters of the Rideau, I feel the gentle winds brushing my face. And beneath the satisfaction I felt is newfound confidence that I could take up the next challenge coming my way.

What Learning To Ride A Bike as An Adult Taught Me_Life Lesson