Of Bikes and Shame

The problem with bicycling to work, I have discovered, is that every day I seem to find a way, at some complicated intersection or another, to do something really stupid. Although crisis is always averted, it is usually thanks to the quick reflexes of the unlucky pedestrian, bicyclist or driver who made the mistake of crossing my path.

Take this morning, for example: it being a fine spring day full of blue skies and birdsong, I set out for work on my bike - and immediately did something really stupid. Faced with a barrage of Dutch from the construction workers observing my stupidity, I felt painfully clueless (were they scolding me or defending me?) and wished I knew enough Dutch to apologize. Instead I could only stare blankly back at them and the livid driver I almost rode in front of. But the worst - oh, the worst - is the righteously indignant glare. The driver this morning gave me a doozy - as in, "Are you crazy! Or just really dumb?" It's a version of Dutch I understand completely.

As I continued on my way, shaken and (I admit) near tears, I came to realize that there is (surprise) a lesson to be learned. It goes something like this:

1. Living a good and full life requires trying new things.
2. However, when we try something new for the first time, we will not be good at it.
3. Thus, as we undertake any new endeavor, we will make mistakes - many of them.
4. But those mistakes help us get better at the new endeavor, much more quickly and successfully than if we never made mistakes.
5. Plus mistakes can sometimes lead to humorous stories of self-deprecation that provide good foder for cocktail parties and dinner conversations.
6. In conclusion: Mistakes are good, learning curves are important, and we can't give up just because we're embarrassed.

So right about now, you're probably thinking, "Thank you, Captain Obvious." But as a recovering perfectionist, for me this is a very hard lesson to learn. In fact, it's a lesson I've "discovered" and "learned" many times already. Two steps forward, one step back.

In the meantime, if anyone knows of a Road Guide for Bicycling in Holland, please let me know.

(This post was brought to you in part by Heather B., who first told me it's OK to try things I know I won't be good at; Ms. Milani, who taught me the importance of having good foder for cocktail parties; and Mysti, who likes to say "in conclusion".)