Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!

I just had a wonderful experience with my dear friend Patricia and her son John. I visited them one morning and Patricia suggested we all go for a bike ride. I said I would go but I couldn’t remember the last time I was on a bike and would I be able to remember how to ride one? John volunteered to teach me how to do it. He started by showing me and explaining the kickstand. Then he told me just get on it and “Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!”. He took off down the driveway to show me what he meant and I followed. He cheered me on saying, “Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!” and after I made a few circles around the court he declared, “you’re doing it”! His excitement was infectious and although I had muscles I hadn’t used in ages hurting and the bicycle seat was much more uncomfortable than I could recall, it was the most fun that I have had in a while. If John hadn’t been such an enthusiastic and patient teacher it would have been easy for me not to try this adventure. John’s simple instructions to me seem an appropriate metaphor for how to continue to move forward in life. So I am passing on his simple sage advice to you, now get out there and “Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!” Remember that your words or enthusiasm have an impact on those around you, who knows what you might inspire someone to do.