When I think about my red flyer wagon as a kid, I can still feel the wind in my face and hear the sound of wheels bumping over uneven dirt. I can also remember the choice I had every time I perched at the top of a hill: do I grip the sides and brace for the bumps, or do I throw my hands up, lean into the thrill, and trust the ride?
Recently, I found myself in a similar position—but this time, it wasn’t a wagon. It was a bike.
I was out on a ride with a group of friends, and let’s just say they were strong. They were climbing hills and breezing through trails like they lived on bikes, and I felt like I was crawling along in comparison. That’s when Negative Amanda decided to make an appearance.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
“They’re annoyed you’re slowing them down.”
“Why did you even say yes to this?”
"You should just turn around and go home."
That voice was loud and persistent, and for a minute, I let it take the lead. But then something shifted. I stopped mid-pedal, looked at the inner critic that was holding me back, and said:
“You don’t have to be here right now, Negative Amanda. Go take a time out.”
And just like that, she was gone.
What happened next surprised me. My ride got easier. My legs felt stronger. And I started to enjoy myself. I stopped worrying about how I was measuring up and instead focused on the joy of being out there, moving forward. That shift didn’t just change the ride; it changed what came after. At dinner that night, I made new connections, opened up about my business, and even gained a new client—all because I chose to push past the negative voice and trust the process.
The red flyer wagon, the bike ride, and running a business all have something in common: they’re wild rides with moments where you feel totally out of control. It’s easy to grip the brakes and let fear dictate your experience. But the truth is, the magic happens when you let go—when you choose to trust yourself, your capabilities, and the ride itself.
So, how do you embrace the ride when “Negative You” starts to creep in? Here’s what’s worked for me:
Give Your Negative Self a Name
Mine’s “Negative Amanda.” When she shows up, I don’t fight her—I just tell her she doesn’t need to stick around. Sometimes, acknowledging that voice is all it takes to quiet it.
Change the Conversation
Ask yourself: “What if I let go of the brakes? What if this hill isn’t as scary as it seems?” You might be surprised at what happens when you give yourself permission to enjoy the ride.
Celebrate the Momentum
Whether you’re crushing a big hill, landing a new client, or just showing up for the ride, take a second to appreciate how far you’ve come. You’re doing it, even when it feels hard.
I’ve learned that the ride isn’t about avoiding the bumps or worrying about falling off—it’s about choosing fun over fear. It’s about trusting yourself enough to let go, lean into the momentum, and enjoy the thrill of the journey. When you stop gripping the brakes and start focusing on the joy, everything changes.
Next time you’re facing a challenge in your business, picture that bike or that red flyer wagon. Imagine the wind in your face and the thrill of letting go. You’ve got this. Lean in, trust yourself, and enjoy the ride!

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