Falling — the world’s best teacher!

Over the summer, I often found myself envious of those effortlessly biking down to the Distillery District near the lake. They looked carefree as if they were having the time of their lives exploring the city on two wheels. I imagined myself joining them, feeling the wind in my hair and the thrill of the ride. But there was a catch—I need to build more confidence with my biking.

On Labour Day, I decided to give it a try. My friend Carrie and I started from midtown, partway down the hill. I tried to hide my lack of experience, telling her I was okay. But within the first 20 minutes, my cover was blown. As I approached a sharp V-turn, I hesitated. Fear crept in, and I slammed on the brake hard. I fell, and my palm was bleeding. My Apple Watch, in its digital intelligence, warned me twice, asking if I needed to call 911. I reassured my Watch that I was okay. I pushed forward, determined not to let this define my day.

As I caught up with my understandably worried friend, I brushed it off and continued. Over the next hour, I fell at least five more times.

But something interesting happened—I became better at falling. After that first tumble, I stopped getting hurt. I just lost balance, quickly picking myself back up and pushing on.

So, what was falling teaching me? Each fall happened because I was overthinking—unsure of which way to turn, whether to stop or how to navigate the path ahead. The more I hesitated, the quicker I fell. It was a lesson in mindfulness and paying attention to the road and myself.

Eventually, my friend admitted she was lost and asked me to lead. Me? The one who had fallen more times than I could count? But something clicked—I knew the area well as a driver, even if I had never cycled there.

It was my turn to lead.

I felt like a kid discovering a new world. The twists and turns of the path were no longer obstacles; they were part of the adventure. We finally reached the Distillery District, and I achieved my summer’s dream. After a well-deserved coffee and snack, we decided to head back uphill.

The ride back was more challenging than I thought; my legs are tired. Despite the uneven roads, bumps, and changing elevations, I didn't fall once. I felt at ease, completely present in the moment. The earlier falls had grounded me, and for once, I wasn’t bogged down by self-doubt or fear.

I just rode.

At one point, I encountered a group of elderly Chinese people hiking on the trail. I dismounted my bike, apologizing as I walked my bike past them. One grandpa noticed my struggle and asked, “Do you need a push?” I laughed and said, “Yes, please!” I wasn’t embarrassed at that moment—I was enjoying the connection and kindness.

This experience taught me the more I fall, the more confident I become. Falling teaches us to stop overthinking and start living in the moment. It’s about embracing the journey, bumps and all, and finding joy.

So, here’s to falling and getting back up, leading even when we’re unsure, and finding beauty in every twist and turn life throws our way. The more we fall, the stronger we become.

That's my leadership story this month! I'm taking a break in the next two weeks. See you in October!