At
first, the training wheels were there to help you. You wanted to have
fun and you wanted to get places, but you weren't ready to do it on your
own. So, you used the training wheels.
One
day, you were riding down the street. It wasn't bad and the breeze felt
good in your hair. It was nice, but you wanted more. So you removed the
training wheels.
Things
were shaky at first. You fell off more than once and got gravel under
your skin, but the wounds healed and you always got back on. Things
weren't always stable but you realized if you kept moving and stayed on a
smooth path, things seemed to balance nicely.
It
was nice to ride around on your own. You really liked it. Things were
smoother now and you knew exactly when and how far to lean when you sped
around corners.
But
then, you came to a hill. Not like the small ones you'd sped over in
the past. This one was a lot larger, and you doubted your ability to
make it.
You tried anyway.
It
started out well; you were covering a lot of ground and it wasn't
taking long. But then you slowed down. You looked back and realized that
the distance you'd covered wasn't anything in comparison to how far you
needed to go.
You hurt. Everywhere. You were sweating and you just wanted to stop. You wanted to go back down the hill and go home.
But then you saw how hard you'd tried to make it this far and you didn't want to lose that, so you kept going.
You made stops along the way. Actually, you walked a lot of the way, pushing your bike alongside you.
But
you made it to the top. And it didn't matter that you had to stop a few
times and that you didn't ride your bike all the way up, because you'd
finally made it to the top and the view was great.
I was wondering what type of analogy you would write and I feel like this really does fit you perfectly. We've been through so much together and I've been with you at these stops.
ReplyDeleteI love that you added the ending. That you DID finish. I think that was the most important thing. That you're not just trying and trying forever, but that eventually you made it. Eventually you were proud of yourself and happy with where you were. I thought that was the best part.
This one made me very happy because it relates to your life well. The times when you want to give up, and just go back, but I know that you truly dont want to. And you'll keep trying. Im here with you, walking beside you too. I can help carry the bike at times :)
I loved reading this Amy, but and loved it even more when I saw Leyla's encouragement. It's pretty awesome seeing you all take care of each other.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the simplicity of the image Amy, as well as the different layers you were able to incorporate. The light vernacular helps set up the childlike image to start, and that in turn emphasizes the high stakes at the end. We see the speaker as naive and inexperienced in the beginning-- we get to know her when she's just a little bitty. By the time she's riding up the hill, we're invested in looking out for her, concerned about the major feat she's taken on, and so relieved when she makes it to the top.
I appreciate the image, and your guts. Thanks for sharing this.
15/15
This is an enticing blog Amy. I think everyone can relate to this in some way and it is easily applicable to most people's circumstances. It tells me, at least, that all journeys start with the first and to not give up simply because things get tough. I really enjoyed reading this and I'm glad you were able to share this.
ReplyDeleteWhen I opened the page to the AP blog I saw your title and it made me laugh, and you as a person make me laugh so I decided to read it and I'm glad I did!
ReplyDeleteThe analogy is one that brings up a lot of old memories, trying something new and failing multiple times but then getting back on the bike and riding again. Part of the thrill is the anxious uncertainty of success or as you put it, "gravel under your skin." It is a very universal analogy, and one that many people can relate to and understand.
In relation to your life, I really appreciated the part where you articulated the realization that how far you have come is nothing in comparison to how far you need to go. It is a daunting task, realizing the road ahead of you, but at least you know how to effectively ride a bike to take you down that road, and I smiled when you finally made it to the top, even after pushing the bike when things got tough.
Awesome, my friend. I actually really liked it! I hope this analogy speaks to everyone because each and every person needs to ride their bike up the hill, and make it to the other side. And of course, you may ride up little mounds or steep mountains; either way, you can make it! And Amy, I hope you read this and remember that you actually can do extremely well in everything you do. Especially school because you are quite intelligent. Your ability to write essays and creative stories (or analogies in this case) are rich with content. I know you have had a difficult home life and have had to deal with some pretty harsh times in your home. But hey, you can do it and soon, you can head to college and take the classes that will head to your career. You can do it! Just need a simple massage!!!
ReplyDeleteI really loved reading this! This analogy suits you so well. I can definitely relate to this, partly because we are so alike and usually go through our struggles together, but also because I know the feeling. Sometimes it feels like it would be so much easier to just turn around and coast down the hill, and return home, or return to your comfort zone. However, leaving your comfort zone is the start of learning new things, and getting stronger. Finishing is a lot more satisfying than giving up!
ReplyDelete