Parenting 4,228 Miles Across The Transamerica Bicycle Trail

In today’s episode of “Helping Families be Happy” podcast, host Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a practicing Clinical Psychologist, Wellness Advocate, and Author based in Sonoma County, California talks with Leah C. Day, An Author, Outdoor Adventurer, and a Social Worker. She talks about her book ‘Changing Gears’ which stresses finding out what is going to bring you the most strength and joy and going for it despite being uncomfortable.

 

Episode Highlights

• 02:05 – Dr. Carla asks if Leah’s book is a tale about bringing three aspects of her life into one.
• 03:30 - Leah and her 16-year-old son biked across the country together and learned some real-life lessons along the way.
• 05:45 – There were times when Leah’s son – Oakley, did get angry because he's impulsive.
• 08:25 – Dr. Carla enquires about the most difficult and the most joyful moment of the journey.
• 10:38 - It was in that moment of joy Oakley was having a huge growth experience, and there was no quitting.
• 13:00 - Leah felt extreme joy that Oakley was taking care of her and becoming a man. He was turning to her and saying that he’s going to take care of her at this last moment.
• 15:15 - It wasn't a made-up task but was really working and playing together, says Leah.
• 17:30 - We know which states to go to if we want to sleep under fire trucks, states Dr. Carla.
• 19:00 – Leah talks about a few of her favorite acts of kindness during the journey.
• 21:35 – “Is there one particular part of you that grew more than other parts?” asks Dr. Carla.
• 23:20 – Leah believes that things that can appear to be your greatest challenge are an invitation to find your greatest strength, and to gain your biggest triumph.
• 25:44 – Leah and Oakley have a bike store called ‘Lighthouse Bikes’.

 

Three Key Points

1. The book ‘Changing Gears’ is about raising an unusual child as well as travelling across the country. It's not just a memoir of a biking expedition but it's about how there is no one correct way to raise a child as you have to identify what works best for each individual.
2. Leah and her son - Oakley had divided their work into different tasks. Every night, no matter what, he would put up the tent while Leah cooked dinner. Hence, they relied on each other, and this gave him a huge sense of responsibility which is so important for teenagers.
3. If you are value-driven and decide that family's important, you do what you have to do for your family. Put that on top, and it's going to lead you where you need to go.

Tweetable Quotes

• “I have two biological children and two adopted children.”– Leah C. Day
• “That makes so much sense because every child is unique.” - Dr. Carla Marie Manly
• “The most difficult moments ended up being the most joyful moments.” - Leah C. Day
• “The fear and the joy were inextricably intertwined, aren't they?” - Dr. Carla Marie Manly
• “Oh, that is a beautiful metaphor for a transformation in a child that he was able to shift from being behind you to leading you.” - Dr. Carla Marie Manly
• “I'm telling you the whole town came into that little cafe.” - Leah C. Day
• “Kindness was just astounding everywhere we went.” - Leah C. Day
• “All I can do is sit here in awe at your courage and your strength.” - Dr. Carla Marie Manly
• “Maybe that's the big thing, to be uncomfortable” - Leah C. Day
• “Follow your bliss and move through those fears.” - Dr. Carla Marie Manly
• “Remember her book – ‘Changing Gears’ will be out in May 2022.” - Dr. Carla Marie Manly

 

Resources Mentioned

• Helping Families be Happy Podcast Apple
• Dr. Carla Marie Manly Website LinkedIn Twitter   Instagram
• Leah C. Day Blog Email
• Lighthouse Bikes Website
• Podcast Editing