Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching a father teach his daughter how to ride a bicycle. How special to witness this big event!

At first, their endeavours didn’t look too promising. They were on the field track with several signs posted: ‘No bicycles allowed’ and ‘No cycling allowed’. There are good reasons for this ban on bicycles, including protecting folks like myself, who choose to walk on a track rather than the nearby trail in order to avoid hazardous, avid, or undisciplined cyclists. But in this case, Dad was calm and easygoing and responsibly aware of those around him and his cycling daughter.

After walking several laps, things looked as if they were going along pretty well with the bike lesson. Nonetheless, my mind beamed coaching tips towards the Dad, “Run faster as you push the bike along” and towards the daughter, “Keep pedaling, don’t stop pedaling!”

At my penultimate lap, there they were: Daughter launched with one last push from Dad, and suddenly pedaling like a pro! What a thrill! Dad praised her over and over with ‘Way to Go!’ ‘Great job!’ I echoed his words to both of them and he proudly told me it was her first time riding solo. As the witness to the joyful event, I gave them two thumbs up. Way to go Daughter, and Dad.

Sometimes, it is not a parent or other who who fosters our success. A friend once told me the story of how she taught herself to ride a bike at age 8. Her father had tried to teach her years earlier, and having failed, said to her, “You’ll never ride a bike, I give up”. By the time she was 8, it became imperative for her to learn, if not to keep up with her outdoorsy friends, then for self-esteem. She taught herself by repeatedly scooting the bike, a present from her 5th birthday, down the driveway and then pedaling hard down the ramp and into the street, until she was suddenly cycling on her own. The secret, she learned, was not to focus on the past failure: but to just keep pedaling.

This is the model for how we bring change into our lives, by continuing to pedal, regardless of whether Dad is pushing you along, or you discover your ability on your own. As with the little girl, Dad was important for a while, but had to let go of the bike for her to discover her ability to ride on her own. But the fond memory of her patient, easygoing Dad helping her undoubtedly will remain and guide her in so many new endeavours and undertakings in her life. Others, such as my friend, will recall what inner guidance system brought success as they navigate new challenges.

Even in turbulent times, it is essential to remember: the only thing that is constant is change. We count on so many things to be sources of stability, and can become distressed without a familiar pattern or routine. Someone jokingly once told me that the only ones who like to be changed are babies!

But the truth is, that ultimately, to thrive, we must pedal forward with tenacity, courage, and joy into the unknowable future.

Think of all the places you can go when you learn to navigate and accept change!