My Mother’s “Bike Story”: Seize Every Opportunity!

Joyce’s Lessons Learned from Her Parents

Our parents and grandparents influenced us in so many ways.
Some of you may have wonderful memories of your youth.
Others may not want to relive those memories.
The question that I ask in my Take the Ride of your Life Workshop is…
How do you live your life because of OR in spite of the lessons learned in your childhood?

My mother Sara and father Joe left a very positive legacy with our family.
I look for opportunities during stress due to the lessons that I learned from my parents.
Any one who knows me, realizes that they better not complain for a long time
without my strong responses on letting go of the small things and changing
what you can in your life! 🙂

I hope that you enjoy another story taken from my book, Take the Ride of Your Life!

Sara’s Bike Story

Sara learned a wonderful lesson the positive way. Her first bike
experience didn’t take place until after she was married my father, Joe.
It made a strong impression. “During the Depression,” she recalls, “none of us
had any money. People made do then. It was a simpler time. I never
had my own bike or a chance to ride one.

“One day, we went to River Rouge for a picnic and saw that there
were bicycles to rent. My husband taught me how to ride. He was so
gentle! I trusted him completely. Before I knew it, I was off and riding.

In a way, this event sums up what I believe: When I want to do something,
I do it, right then and there. I don’t wait or plan for the perfect
time. I seize the opportunity when it’s there.

“Now I’m in my eighties and am an independent widow. I don’t
want to trouble anyone else if I can help it. When the faucet broke, I
went to the hardware store, bought a new one, and replaced the old
one. It gave me a lot of satisfaction.

Although I haven’t been bike riding in a while, I exercise every day.
When I go places with my daughters, I can keep up with them.
I still drive a car, so I still ‘pedal’— even if it’s with one foot.”

My parents did not complain very often, and had no patience with
those who did. Upbeat, non-judgmental, and full of enthusiasm, Sara and Joe
were always ready to learn new things, because every day offered them new
opportunities, despite obstacles.

Joyce’s Questions for You

Sara didn’t learn how to ride a bike until she was married to my father, Joe.
She didn’t have the opportunity until then and when she saw it, she didn’t wait.

1. What are you waiting for?

2. What do you need to do to live a fulfilled life?

3. What lessons did you learn from your parents or grandparents?

Please answer in the comment section towards the end of this blog post.

Click here for an article on “Warning: Use These 6 Tips to Gain Control at Your Own Risk

Staying Connected with Joyce

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who could benefit from the inspiration and knowledge on improving their working condition or home life.

Until next time,

This is Joyce Weiss, Conflict Resolution Consultant

I help others have tough conversations so they get a better night’s sleep.

Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

PS Click here for an article on “Warning: Use These 6 Tips to Gain Control at Your Own Risk

PPS Click here to sign up for Joyce’s FREE e-zine and video series on
“Dealing with Conflict in the Workplace.”

PPPS Click here to order your autographed copy of Take the Ride of Your Life!