Discover Joy, Motivation & Confidence from Past Experiences

Let past experiences give you courage towards growth and success.

Our trip had been planned for months. Four childhood friends reuniting with plans to fly together to San Francisco, where we would spend a few nights before boarding Holland America's Eurodam for a repositioning cruise to Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Needless to say, we had to visit the essential tourist sites in San Francisco, with the Golden Gate Bridge being at the top of our list. For me, every destination we visited was brand new. In the late 1970s, I travelled to Disneyland with this same group of friends, with San Francisco being the next stop. However, I had other plans as I was focused on getting married. I left my friends and returned home to elope, at the tender age of 19. Unfortunately, it didn't work out as planned and 12 years later, I left my marriage.

I was slightly horrified when my fit friends suggested we bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. After all, I hadn’t been on a bike since I was a kid – some 50 years ago. Racing through my mind were so many emotions – first surprise and disbelief. Seriously!!! You want to get on a bicycle and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge! Embarrassment, disgust, and shame presented themselves – how did I let myself get to this point? Why hadn’t I exercised and made movement a priority in my life? If I had, I wouldn’t be questioning this crazy idea of theirs. Fear washed over me – fear of failure, fear of exclusion and isolation with visions of watching them set off to have fun while I stayed back at the hotel alone. Then they suggested I make things easier on myself and rent an e-bike.

Despite recognizing the benefits of using an e-bike, I was still hesitant about riding it, particularly with regards to balancing. Although I could envision myself enjoying the experience, I remained anxious about the actual process of getting on and riding. However, I am always up for a challenge and don't want to miss out on the fun, so with some reluctance, I agree to give it a try.

With my trip fast approaching, I asked my husband to assist me with my training. We rented a bike and found a quiet parking lot for our first session. After only one attempt, I was convinced that I was ready for the trip. Although my balance was a bit unstable, I was able to get on the bike, maintain balance, and ride – even if my path was not straight.

The day finally arrived for our bike ride, and after renting our bikes, I discovered to my dismay that it was a 9-mile ride. Panic set in as I was overwhelmed with fear. But my friends were quick to offer support and reassurance. "No problem, Kathy," they said. "We'll practice riding before we begin our journey."

We found an empty parking lot nearby and I took the opportunity to practice my skills. My friends cheered me on with great enthusiasm. To my surprise, even an elderly homeless man noticed and was inspired to rise from his bench to join in the cheers. Every time I passed, he'd jump up and shout, clapping his hands. I'll never forget that kind stranger who still warms my heart with his spirit of encouragement and the power of inspiration.

The e-bike was the perfect choice for me and turned out to be quite manageable. We purposely took several breaks along the way, including one prior to climbing a very steep hill. While two friends dismounted and pushed their bikes up, I sailed past my other friend who was harnessing all her power to make her way up. I passed her while waving and called out to her – see you at the top! The feeling of joy was indescribable, and her expression at that moment was priceless.

After an exciting ride, we finally reached our destination – the Golden Gate Bridge! Taking some time to relax, we read all the signs before embarking across the bridge. However, we faced a minor setback: only one side of the bridge path was open, and we had to share the path with pedestrians. Despite the challenge, we were eager to start our adventure and set off with determination.

I was feeling fantastic, riding my bike without a care in the world until two seasoned cyclists, in their spandex gear and high-tech bikes, zoomed past me, throwing me off balance. I managed to avoid falling off, but not without drawing attention to myself. In a moment of panic, I accidentally collided with some pedestrians! How embarrassing! Thankfully, they weren't hurt and we all had a good laugh after I apologized. After that little detour, I hopped back on my bike and rode away.

Arriving in Sausalito, after crossing the bridge and traveling down a long road, I felt a sense of elation and contentment. My negative thoughts had disappeared, replaced by feelings of pride, accomplishment, and immense support from my amazing group of friends who joined me on the journey.

Reflecting on past experiences can be a powerful tool for personal growth and success. If you're currently lacking confidence and in need of motivation, try recalling a past experience where you achieved success and overcame obstacles. Allow that experience to guide and motivate you towards a more confident mindset.