I have always liked this quote because it's a pretty attainable goal for me. See, I am afraid of almost everything. What fear did I conquer [sort of] today, you may ask? Biking.
That's right. One of my biggest fears in life is riding a bicycle. There, I said it aloud. *Phew* that's really been eating me up inside.
The story begins: a good friend of mine asked me to take a couple of letters to the mailbox and assured me biking was the easiest/quickest way to get there from her house. Oh, little does she know.
Attempt 1 at take-off: I freak out and slam my feet to the sidewalk. (Yes, I KNOW bikes aren't supposed to be on the sidewalk. Don't judge me. I don't judge you.)
Attempt 2: I almost swerve into the grass. I mutter under my breath "I hate bikes." The boy mowing the lawn across the street looks up concerned.
Attempt 3: Success! But the water bottle attached to the bike frame falls to the ground. Oh well. Whoever falls behind stays behind!
As I steady the handle bars and start up the street, I ease my way to the right. After a few blocks I decide maybe this isn't such a big deal. Suddenly I look at the street signs. I've turned the wrong way and need to turn around. Blast.
I turn around and back-track all the way to the street I started from and begin traversing in the CORRECT direction. Now there are patches of gnats to drive through. At first they just go round my sunglasses. After about 5 patches of gnats, however, they are smart enough to get behind my protective eye wear. Now it's war.
Now, here's a car backing slooooooowwwwwwwwwwwly out of the driveway and the pathway is obstructed by another parked car immediately after. Didn't anybody's father teach them to always leave a path?!?
Now I've reached the destination described by my friend..wait..I've surpassed it. I pull into a bank parking lot to make a wide arc to turn around, go over some patches of grass, miss-aim, and must slam on the brakes to avoid going head-first over a curb.
WHY AM I SO BAD AT BIKES?!?!
After my outburst (Yes, I did outburst. This is real life.) I finally successfully put the letters in the mailbox and turn around to head home. At which point it starts raining.
Why is it always raining?
Positives:
- The letters made it into the mail.
- I tried my best.
- I built extra recreation into my day.
- Using a bicycle instead of a car helped the environment. You know, the one that decided to pour on me. Ungrateful.
- I've been re-inspired to blog.
As I walked my way back to my friend's house, I saw her getting out of her car on the way to get me. At least she is a loyal friend. Also, after walking inside and changing into ultra comfy snowflake covered pj pants I ate chocolate M&M's, just as I learned from Professor Lupin in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
What will YOU do to challenge yourself this week?
