I’m teaching my kids how to ride bicycles this summer. It’s almost as hard to watch as it is for them to learn. Because there’s nothing I can say to help.  We all learn to ride bicycles the same way: 

Eat dirt, bang up legs, scream, throw the bicycle, then pick it up and try again. 

We all have to pay our dues to the damn bike before we get the hang of it. By the third day, both kids got the hang of it. They were cruising around the neighborhood with ease.  It was a beautiful thing to behold.

Reader, for the most part, I’m happy in life, but once in a while, my ego gets the better of me and I can feel disappointed about where I’m at.  During those times, it’s nice to remember the bicycle metaphor: if I want to get farther, I’m going to need to put my head down and take a few more spills.  With that in mind, I’m off to the piano for some songwriting.  Wishing you a week of strength when you’re scared and fortitude when you feel like quitting.  Hang in there! See you next Monday. -Em