The first time I took my bike out was memorable.

I had some control, but it was still too big for me and there was much to learn. Just around the corner from my home, I was speeding towards a parked truck. Trying to maneuver around it, I found I didn’t have the necessary skills to do it.

I ran into it and flew off the bike, skidding across the ground. There were people sitting on the porch of that house watching the whole scene. I’ll always remember their reaction:

“Oh no, the truck!”

They raced out and went to check on the bumper to make sure it was okay. Then they turned to me and asked if I was all right. Elbows scraped and bleeding, I nodded and walked my bike home.

These were my neighbours and that was the most important lesson I learned in life about compassion.

I resolved from that point forward to be empathetic towards others, always trying to put myself in their shoes. A truck can be repaired, painted and ultimately replaced. Showing care for human life has reverberations that can affect someone for generations to come.

I never visited those neighbours again. I never even looked in their direction when I continued my bike rides.

This is what happens when you show a lack of compassion. It turns against both parties until healing can happen.