June 22, 2010.

This I Believe: Essay Three.

Only a year and a half ago, I learned a very practical skill that seems to be a fundamental part of everybody’s childhood. Up until then however, I had tried to convince myself that acquiring such a skill was unnecessary, and that I should not care to try to learn. 

Biking has given me an opportunity to be away from everything and be in my own little bubble when I need it. I love going downhill on a bike, it’s exhilarating. But if you combine biking with good scenery—and maybe just a bit of good music—you have yourself a recipe for a great session of contemplation. I guess that going around on a bike breathing fresh air looking at pretty but unfamiliar views offers just a lot more room for your head to think than does an uncomfortable chair in front of your laptop computer. The wind through your hair is a nice touch, too. 

The learning process taught me a lot too. The reason that people fail to ride successfully is because they’re afraid of falling. They stop to put their foot down and they lose their balance. But really, all they need to do is keep going. The motion gives you your balance. 

I believe in biking. I believe that the reason we can’t do the things we want to do is because we’re afraid of falling; afraid of failing. I believe that stopping because of our fears is what makes us lose balance. And I believe that all you need to do is keep your eye on the road, and just keep pedaling.