Thursday, January 19, 2017

Scaling New Heights





Life tends to hand you lessons right when you need them, and this week, on the tail end of publishing this post on walking my edges, and continuing to grow, my little man handed me a big lesson.

If you have read this blog for any length of time, you know that choices have been made in regards to extracurricular activities, choices that work for our family, that fit with the lifestyle we want to lead, and that allow us to live a life free of rushing and running around. We have dabbled in summer swimming lessons, and tried baseball this past summer, but our life has for the most part revolved around being at home, enjoying our time as a family, and soaking up life in the slow lane. It has worked for us, and feels right, for my little man and I.

Well, last week we took a step into the world of extracurricular activities....my little man started rocking climbing lessons. As the day approached he was hesitant, not sure he really wanted to do it, but ever so slowly, as the minutes ticked down closer to his first lesson, he got a little excited. We talked about doing things that make us feel a little scared, we discussed the many things that made him nervous and came up with ways for him to look at those things differently, and I reassured him that he had rock climbed before and that it would be just the same, except I wouldn't be the one belaying him, his instructor would be doing that.

When we arrived he settled in very quickly, got his harness, shoes and helmet on, and away he went. I didn't watch much that first week, I headed out for a quick trip to the grocery store, and then came back and sat quietly knitting in the corner, trying not to be disruptive. This week though he wanted me to watch, and so I sat front and center.

I watched as my little man scaled new heights, literally and figuratively. As he climbed he took his time, tested his level of comfort, worked past fears, and finally reached the top....of both the wall and his own comfort zone. It's an amazing thing to watch as your child steps forward with confidence and courage to try a new challenge, and it's even more amazing when, as a parent, you sit back with pride and love at the great accomplishment they are achieving.

As I sat in the climbing gym, that pride was beaming from my face, and my heart was so full of love for this amazing little man who constantly has things to teach me. As I work to continue stepping out of my comfort zone this year, trying new things and walking my edges, my little man proves to me that with a bit of trust, courage and confidence you can do anything you put your mind to. Thanks little man, you continue to be my greatest teacher.

12 comments:

  1. my oh my! how adventurous of you and him. But mostly you! My stomach would have done a flip flop watching but I have a thing with heights... Congrats!!

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    1. Haha, Karen....it is awesome, and totally safe.

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  2. Amazing! Good for him! And you too. They're always teaching us something if we're listening, huh? ☺

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  3. I am happy to see you are still here in blog land, friend. I can't believe how big your boy is! I hope life is well for you- from this post it looks like it's all good.
    I have a new blog up- I just wanted you to know about it and I"m happy to see you again here. Much Love to you, xoc

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    1. Well hello dear friend, so nice to see you here. We are well, and soaking up life and all beauty is provides for us. Missed you. xo

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  4. How awesome! And yes, they are the greatest teachers at all. No doubt about that. <3

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    1. They certainly are, daily lessons around here ;)

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  5. We have a huge group of friends here who climb! If he continues, Tucson is a really popular place for climbing. You've always got a place to stay! :)

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    1. Oh, good to know. He loves it and plans to continue. And I may get back into it :) We may have to check out some climbing in Tucson....and visit with you guys. xo

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  6. Oh my goodness! Look at him go! What an incredible extracurricular activity to get involved in.

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    1. He loves it Jenny, and looks forward to going every week.

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