Introducing Serendipity, desirable discoveries by accident
I can’t help but think in metaphors. I take my lessons where I find them, and the smallest incident can spark a connection to a larger condition. In my first article for TrikkeWorld, I explained how I related the difficulty in learning to propel my Trikke to the difficulty in getting my business, called Exceptionality, to move forward with ease.
A couple of years ago — when the company for which I worked started its long walk toward obsolescence and began laying off people — I decided to take the package offered and start my own thing. I loved that job but I was burnt out and had to restrain myself from running out the door with my money. I was ready for something new. I received a boatload of training and began marketing myself.
In my second TWM article, I illustrated serendipity: photos published along with my first article led to the discovery that I’d been riding with the front wheel on backward.
So that’s why I couldn’t get going!
Since then, I’ve spent the summer riding and utterly in love with this little vehicle. I can be drop-dead tired, but I force myself to change clothes and go outside. And always, the very moment I step on my Trikke and begin moving, I’m so glad I did.
I’ve never had a bad ride — they’re all marvelous, even if I’m slow or have to walk uphill. I’ve been learning how riding works for me. Adjustments are made, new moves attempted, particularly while navigating inclines. No attempt is wasted, because I learn what and what not to do.
I ride feeling great release. Riding has become a cherished time of reflection, even while pouring with sweat. I ponder the struggle with my business venture, my increasing mastery of the Trikke an infusion of self-confidence. There’s a richness in this unique and simple exercise.
Sue Thompson
Meanwhile, along comes a job opportunity in the field I left. I remembered how blocked and discouraged I felt with my early attempts on the Trikke, doing all the right moves — but on something that simply wasn’t assembled properly. I had thought perhaps the vehicle wasn’t a fit for me, when the truth was, something was out of order. Making a small change made a world of difference.
So I conversed with myself on my long Trikke rides. “Self,” I said, “a new job doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It’ll allow you to earn money to continue your entrepreneurial pursuits. With what you learn, you might even advance! That’s how it worked before. In fact, it was an ideal situation.”
By the time I departed my previous job, it had become a burden. I couldn’t “roll with it” without enormous effort, it wore me out. But now I know how to deal with it, should a similar situation ever occur again.
I thought about how it might feel to fly in a career again. I’ve learned so much these past couple of years, things I’ll take with me in a new position, lessons that that will serve me well.
I was energized, just as I had been when I started flying on my Trikke. So I went for it — and got the job.
I’m entering a new season of riding, ready to deal with hills and changes in weather. Let me be the first to tell you: something wonderful happens when you get the wheel on right.
About Sue Thompson
