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Arete Warriors – spirit, mind, body strong
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What Independence Really Requires
Happy 4th of July!
This Independence Day happens to be the 250th birthday of the United States of America.
Kind of a big deal.
Imagine life 250 years ago.
On July 4, 1776, Congress officially adopted the final text of the Declaration of Independence (though it wasn’t signed until August 2). The 56 men who signed it were committing treason against the British Crown. They knew it could cost them their lives.
There are different levels of brave.
I’m feeling brave (and a little stupid) driving around with expired plates. (I did mail in the registration. I’m still waiting.)
I recently stumbled upon this girl’s quest to be the first American Woman to row solo from California to Hawaii.
ALONE.
On a tiny row boat.
In the middle of the Pacific ocean.
At night!
Amidst storms and sharks and pirates…
And every day she posts with her beautiful smile, overflowing gratitude for the experience and speaks about staying present to enjoy each solitary moment.
Meanwhile, I’m annoyed that the WiFi is being slow.
I’m realizing I’ve become really good at avoiding discomfort.
Perspective is a funny thing.
Let’s Prepare – the warm up
When is the last time you intentionally did something hard?
Like, really, maybe even dangerously brave.
This generation has exchanged DOING hard things for watching OTHERS do them.
I’m guilty too. Obviously!
Author Jonathan Haidt talks in The Anxious Generation and The Coddling Of The American Mind about the importance of letting kids experience challenge, uncertainty, and what he calls “risky play”.
Overcoming obstacles as children fosters “antifragile”, resilient, capable adults.
Autonomy, independence and free play help kids discover who they are, what they’re capable of, and build genuine self-confidence.
Are we modeling that for our kids?
A few weeks ago in San Diego, my whole family begged me to come surfing with them.
I didn’t.
I can’t actually think of the last brave thing they saw me do.
Ouch.
Nadia, on the other hand, punches fear in the face often. For example, January 27, she climbed to the 10 meter platform, peeked over the edge, and decided she wasn’t ready.
About a month later, she did it.
Ali challenged both of them to get up and speak at Nana’s Celebration of Life on Monday. Both bravely did so. Nadia got so emotional she tried to hand the microphone off to her cousin, but dad stepped in and helped her finish.
Let’s Work – the exercise
Courage doesn’t always look like jumping off a 10 meter platform.
Sometimes it looks like standing in font of people you don’t know with a shaky voice and the ugly cry face.
I’m going to try to find something challenging to do in front of or with my kids this month.
I hope you’ll join me.
Then tell me about it!
Maybe we can create another community email filled with your stories and what came from choosing courage over comfort.
Not only will WE benefit, but so will our little crumb snatchers.
Let’s go show them what we’re made of, moms!
Need a few ideas?
- Climb a 14er
- Spend a night camping (with or without a tent)
- Admit you were wrong – in front of your kids. Maybe TO them.
- Run for School Board
- Try public speaking
- Take a dance class
- Try a new sport
- Go skydiving
- Finally start that business you’ve been thinking about
Can’t wait to hear from you!
