6 Valuable Life Lessons I Gained While Riding a Motorcycle

You know that feeling when you’re a teenager with a crush on the bad boy? Yeah, that was totally me. I was enamored with the idea of riding on the back of a motorcycle, dreaming of the thrill it would bring. But it took me until I was 34 to finally hop on one. I recall begging for a seatbelt and wishing for a protective bubble—let’s just say I wasn’t the wild child I thought I’d be. But just getting on that bike was a significant step for me.

Now, I’m a regular on the bike, thanks to my boyfriend, Jake, who uses his motorcycle as his main ride. Even if you never find yourself on two wheels, there are some profound lessons about life that I picked up along the way.

1. Trust is Essential When Following Someone

Getting on the back of Jake’s motorcycle meant I had to trust him completely. The first thing he told me was, “Lean with me on the turns. Don’t resist.” I held my breath during those long curves, fighting the urge to lean the other way. But I trusted him and followed his lead. In life, sometimes you have to let others take charge. If you don’t trust the person you’re following, then why are you even there?

2. Lean on Others When You’re Anxious

Whenever I feel nervous about the speed or a sharp curve, I instinctively lean into Jake for support. It’s a reminder that, in life, we should know who we can rely on during tough times. There’s no shame in admitting you’re scared and reaching out for help; it actually takes strength to do so.

3. Keep Your Focus Forward

As a passenger, I learned that I can’t shift around too much because it disrupts the bike’s balance. So, I keep my eyes straight ahead, focusing on what’s coming rather than turning back to see where we’ve been. Life is similar; while it’s okay to acknowledge your past, don’t let it hold you back. You must keep moving forward.

4. People Are Often More Complex Than They Seem

From the outside, you might see me relaxed on the bike, hands resting comfortably on Jake’s waist, but inside, I’m tense and sweaty. It’s a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Just because someone looks calm doesn’t mean they aren’t battling inner demons. A smile doesn’t always equal happiness, and tears don’t always signify sadness.

5. You Might Not Be As Subtle As You Think

I learned quickly that when I feel uneasy, I tend to cling to Jake a bit too tightly. At first, I thought I was hiding my nerves, but he could sense my tension right away. We often think we’re being discreet with our feelings, especially around loved ones, but our true emotions usually shine through. These days, I don’t hold back as much—I might even yell, “Slow down!” when I feel the need to.

6. Savor the Journey

This lesson is a tough one for me, both on and off the motorcycle: Enjoy the ride. Instead of trying to micromanage every detail or worry about potential bumps in the road, sometimes we just need to relax and soak in the moment. Feel the wind, bask in the sun, and let go of future worries, even if just for a little while.

Life’s greatest lessons can come from the most unexpected places. Riding along those winding back roads has shown me that when I loosen my grip and embrace the journey, life reveals its beauty in remarkable ways.

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Summary:

In this reflective piece, Jenna shares six life lessons learned from her experiences as a motorcycle passenger. These lessons emphasize trust, leaning on loved ones in times of anxiety, focusing on the future, recognizing the complexity of individuals, understanding our own emotional expressions, and the importance of enjoying life’s journey.