I never wanted to learn to ride a bike.

Actually, let’s edit that - I always wanted to learn to ride a bike, but I was pretty scared that I never would.

I remember the struggle of sessions in the park with my dad, his hand on the bike seat, reminding me that he was there and I was safe.

I’m sure that helped, but the frustration of falling off many times left me with a feeling of “I’ll never do this”.

I wonder how many times that has shown up in my life, especially as an adult?

Certain physical tasks or experiences I tend to just not get involved in, because I know that I won’t be good at them.

My balance wouldn’t cut it, or I’d struggle to get in that position.

Maybe something similar put my back out before and that is the scariest thing out there.

All there are just thoughts, right?

But they feel real.

My dad must have had the patience of a saint (or at least that of a lad raised in the crucible of East London during the 1960s) and he showed up with compassion and care for days on end.

I know he felt every fall and every piece of my frustration, and he kept that in check - day in, day out.

(Only now as a father can I experience what that is like, and I’m not sure I’ve ever been as close to his level of mastery).

Finally, the day arrived.

The day when balance held out and I was riding my bike.

No hands on the seat.

No falling off.

Smiles that only a surgeon could remove.

(Both mine and my dad’s)

And my dad witnessing what he always knew was possible.

Once you’re there - everything changes.

Your known world becomes bigger.

That feeling of possibility shows up everywhere, but it particularly shows up in coaching.

Someone comes to you with a desire for change, looking for someone to support them along that path.

Not to do the work for them, but to be the confidant who believes in the them no matter what and to give them the space to grow.

That is a special thing.

Magical in fact.

I’m always looking to have conversations with people who are looking to go on that journey.

And maybe you know someone who I should talk to.

I can’t promise bike lessons, but they’ll have an amazing conversation and things will change forever.