Of Conquering Fears

It’s school holiday time here in New Zealand, and I always make the effort to put work and general busy-ness aside so I can focus on my kids.It’s so great spending one-on-one time with each of them. Learning about their interests and making sure that my bonds with them remain strong and healthy.From these moments it amazes me how much I can draw from them. They add much to my journey.This week I took my 6 (“and three quarters”) going on 7 year old daughter to Tree Adventures. This is a confidence course set amongst pine trees, West of Auckland.She’d never been. I’ve taken my son previously and he’s told her all about it. She finally reached 120cm tall.She has (according to her) a fear of heights. She was a mixture of excitement and trepidation.The day dawned overcast and threatening, and sure enough it rained heavily for the first hour we were there, making the wood panels in the activities slick with moisture.She was amazing.I stood back and let her interact with the Instructor. She listened, questioned, responded and was ready to go. Of course, the Instructor wanted to keep her. I like this. (proud).Up the ladders, at least 5m off the ground. Some of the courses reached 7m off the ground, with a variety of obstacles and challenges. She conquered them all.My favourite moments came when she was in front of me, going first. And I could hear her tiny voice quietly saying to herself “I’ve done this one before, only it’s a bit higher than the last time” and then taking a breath and stepping out. Time and time again.Why is it that as we get older we often forget that we, or someone, has done this before. When do we learn to be safe? To not breathe and step out?A personal challenge.- S