Moms can do hard things
Yesterday, on vacation in Colorado, we had a family adventure to a hot springs and waterslide, except that the waterslide didn’t open until 4 and it was 2:30. But, our day pass gave access to a climbing wall, which my 9-year old son James wanted to do. Not wanting to seem unadventurous, I, too harnessed up, and wore the stinky shared shoes. My outfit was comprised of a bikini (we were going to hot springs) with sweats and a sweatshirt over… not exactly an attractive look or my normal athletic gear.
James, uninhabited by fear, made quick work of climbing to the top of his climbing course, ringing the bell and lowering down the wall, bouncing off with his feet rhythmically. I, however, hardly made it a few feet on my course, which I figured out was more advanced. With James safely on land, I decided to clip into his course and try to show him that Mom, too, could ring the bell.
The only problem was that I would get to a certain point and freeze, terrified of falling. I couldn’t trust the rope to catch me. So, I practiced falling. Over and over. Until, the falling became the fun part. I am strong and do Crossfit so knew the climbing part would be okay. There was one section that tricked me without an obvious path, but overall, the grips were apparent, and there were spaces to push off from.
I almost called it a day a few times but felt like I had to show James that Moms can also do hard things, and that it’s ok to be scared and overcome your fear. I also think there’s something powerful about having your kids cheer you on to success. When I was a few feet from the bell at top of the climbing wall, James said, “Mom! You’re almost there! To the bell that I’ve already rang two times!” Thanks for the reminder and vote of confidence, James!
Then after I hit the bell, I trusted the fall, holding onto the rope for dear life. James took a video of the whole thing and my look of relief when feet my hit the floor was coupled with a dimple-bearing grin that surfaces only on rare occasions of pure, uninhibited joy or adventure, signifying a feeling of being fully alive. James couldn’t wait to tell his sisters about our rock climbing adventure. I have a feeling it is a story we will share for years to come, about Mom trying to keep up with James and overcoming her fear of heights and of falling. Hopefully he will remember this when he faces his own self doubts.
In another far less physically dangerous setting, James walked into my home office last week, while I was practicing out loud for a work presentation I have upcoming. First, he was surprised, hesitating coming in for the paper he was fetching. Then he was confused, thinking I was on a video conference. When I told him I was practicing, he understood. Got it. Kids need to see their parents working towards something. Trying new things is hard, as is overcoming fears, but moms can do hard things. And you can, too.
