Bicycle Bells for Midlife Momentum

Lessons from my daughter on her 21st birthday + exciting trip news

I never had a bell on my bicycle, but I always secretly wanted one.

With one press of your thumb, a pleasant trill lets people know you are approaching.

If there’s a more polite way to get people to move out of your way, I don’t know what it is.

Earlier this month, I went biking in our family’s new favorite “peaceful place” – a nine-mile greenway with paved paths and shady trees.

When Scott removed my bike from the rack on his car, there it was – my first bicycle bell – attached and ready to do its job! Judging by the pleased look on my daughter’s face, I knew instantly that she picked it out.

“See? It looks like Banjo!” Natalie exclaimed, pointing to the clever design of a gray cat wearing a dragon costume riding on a Roomba.

From that that day on, I have rung my bicycle bell excessively – not because I needed to alert anyone of my presence, but simply because it gives me joy as I explore new paths the way Natalie has modeled for me.

A lot of people know I call my second-born child, Avery, a Noticer. What is not as well known is that I call Natalie my Wanderer. From the time she was four years old, she was exceptionally curious about people, cultures, and life experiences outside her own.

“Tell me something bad that happened in the world today, Mama,” she’d say looking at me with her big, brown eyes. “And don’t make it up.”

Something told me that if I didn't tell her myself, Natalie would find her own answers about the reality of the world. So, in age-appropriate words and context, I chose to tell her about human struggles. The more she heard, the more Natalie wanted to learn.

When Natalie went to high school, she was deeply bothered by the questions students would get asked on a routine basis. Things like:

“Why didn’t you do your assignment?”  

“Do you have enough activities to build your resume?”

Natalie felt these questions backed kids into corners and limited their potential. She wondered what might happen if kids were challenged with questions that opened their minds to wonder and explore possibilities. Natalie called them Window Questions. Things like:

• Have you ever stood under a vast sky and felt small? Tell me about it.

• Have you ever held hands with a stranger who instantly felt like family? What did it feel like?

• Have you ever stood at a scenic lookout as long as your heart desired? Describe it.

• Have you ever been so lost in a moment that every worry on your mind was lifted? What were you doing?

Natalie had started asking herself Window Questions a few years prior. In eighth grade, it had become apparent that her wandering brain and need to move her body would create challenges as school got more rigorous. Window Questions helped her remember her strengths fell outside the narrow parameters of traditional academic success. Window Questions offered Natalie ways to find meaning and momentum when life felt hard, confusing, and hopeless.

Over time, Window Questions served Natalie well by helping her forge paths where there were none. As a bystander, they have served me well too.

I remember coming upon a Poinsettia Tree during a Learning Trip to Africa – an experience that had been initiated by Natalie’s desire to see the world.

My brain felt so confused by this wondrous sight. I had no idea Poinsettia Trees even existed! To think I’d nearly lived my entire life without knowing such a beautiful tree existed made me cry.

What other remarkable things might I never know exist if I don’t leave my comfort zone? I wondered.

A Window Question.

And from it, came the slow unraveling of a limiting truth I’d claimed about myself almost my whole life – that I was a homebody who preferred to stick to familiar territories and best laid plans. That was a lie! My inner Wanderer was alive and well, and Natalie helped me find her. It wasn’t too late.

My friends, on this momentous day, June 21, 2024, Natalie turns 21 years old. We are celebrating with her close friends at home tonight with her favorite meal of BBQ ribs, baked beans, strawberry-mango salad, and Berry Chantilly Cake. On Saturday, we will travel to Tennessee where she will compete in her second Olympic triathlon. The decision to train for a multi-sport competition came when her college announced last fall that it may have to shut its doors.

What can I do to channel the angst I am feeling? Natalie had asked herself.

You will forge your own path – just as you have always done, her Inner Wanderer answered.

My friends, if today finds you feeling stuck by the weights and worries of life, please accept this invitation to hop on your proverbial bike… explore a new path… ring your bicycle bell excessively so any and all obstacles move out of your way.

If you choose to accept, you will find things you didn’t know existed both in and around you. Your discoveries may be so beautiful your brain can’t even comprehend them!

Can you imagine what’s out there, beyond familiar territory?

Open your window.

It’s not too late.

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🌅🥳 Rachel’s Birthday Trip News…

Through my Soul Shift journey, I have taken huge steps towards overcoming my struggle with worthiness. To mark this progress, I am finally going to fulfill my wish to celebrate my birthday in a big way, and I can’t think of a better way to do so than by inviting YOU, my beloved community members, to join me!

February 1-4, 2025, I will be hosting a 4-day retreat in Tamarindo, a beautiful seaside town in Costa Rica. Along with taking part in cultural activities that spark creativity and joy, like pottery making and cookery lessons, I am looking forward to having plenty of time in nature and on the water to rejuvenate. During the trip, I will lead new workshops on awakening your playful spirit, which includes drafting a plan for integrating micro-moments of curiosity, wonder, and play into your daily life. You can take a closer look at the trip and review the itinerary here.

Spots are limited to 20, and registration opens at 11am Eastern on Friday, June 28th.

If you are interested in learning more, be sure your email address is entered here (where is says NOTIFY ME) to receive a reminder when registration opens. The first 8 people to register will enjoy early-bird pricing.

❤️ A special thanks to everyone who filled out the poll! Your enthusiasm is what made this trip possible.

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🌳❣️ Save the date…

Our next LIVE community gathering in the Treehouse will be Wednesday, June 26th at 8pm Eastern! I will send out the Zoom link to paid subscribers early next week. If you would like the full community experience here at Rachel’s Treehouse, you can upgrade your subscription by clicking below. Membership is $5 a month (if you pay yearly, it’s $3.75 a month).

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🔔 Just for fun, this is the video I sent my parents when I discovered my bicycle bell!