This just happened…

My daughter decided to place both of her feet into one sock. She begins jumping around like a baby bunny having fun. All I saw in that moment was the sharp corner of our living room end table. Immediately, I saw an accident flash before my eyes. So, I told her to stop before she falls. My daughter then looked up at me an in a divinely profound way and said, “But Mommy I will fall.” With that I realized that I was allowing my fear to hinder her exploration. She is FEARLESS. It was me who was bringing fear in to the picture; ruining a precious moment. After hearing her words I said, “Well you can jump in the middle of the carpet, there is so much space for you there”. And with that she happily hopped over and enjoyed her time.

It got me to thinking. How many of us allow our own fears to hinder our children and cause them to question themselves. How many times in my day do I bring fear into a moment that only required guidance and encouragement. Are we not here as parents to help lovingly guide their journey? Yes. But not to control them into our way of thinking. A fear based thinking. As adults we often live in a world full of fear and doubt. We are afraid to pursue our dreams and ideas because we are afraid to fall. My daughter has it right. She knows she will fall, and is completely ok with that. However, she isn’t allowing that acknowledgment to keep her from living, exploring and trying new things.

Am I the only one or do you do this too? If not with children, with others?

How can we begin to change our language and inner thoughts about fear?

How can you begin to pursue your dreams and be ok with falling? ( I am still figuring this one out)

Share with me! I would love to hear!

Ash