Life Lessons over Grilled Cheese & Strawberries

Yesterday I took my daughter to a soccer class. When we got there she was super nervous and I wasn’t sure if it was going to be meltdown central, tears or refusal to enter. She was staying close to me, hugging my leg – “the usual” when she is scared. Her friend showed up a few minutes later and she was still anxious, but I was able to slip out of the room. My other daughter and I went down the hallway to the community room where parents wait while kids are in class. I didn’t hear any tears and I came back before class ended to find her willingly letting her male teacher put her 4 hair clips back into position during the mad chaos of a three-year-old soccer class. I’d call it a win.

Like most three-year-olds, she sometimes gets anxious or scared with new people or new situations.   Her classroom had her vision and hearing test today and I could tell she was a little anxious when I brought it up.   I talked about how it was something new she did at school today and related it to her soccer class yesterday. We talked about how she was scared to try something new, but how she was able to have fun and enjoy herself after she gave it a try. I told her I used to get scared trying new things, but I don’t get scared trying new things anymore. That’s when I stopped. I literally wanted to fall off my chair laughing because it all came full circle – over grilled cheese and strawberries.

The truth is, I am scared about launching my Indiegogo campaign and I am feeling vulnerable. I channeled my inner Todd and Cathy from Zenparenting radio. I took a second, told her what I just said wasn't true and how I was actually scared right now because I have a big work project coming up. Her little eyes literally looked like they were going to pop out of her head with excitement. She got the biggest smile on her face from ear to ear. I could tell this was so exciting for her – to have this moment to tell MOM what do to.   I then asked her what she thinks I should do about feeling scared and she said one word: “Play.” Boy, is she right.

One of my best friends and my husband just so happened to read the same book this month. Independently, they BOTH took a screenshot of the same paragraph and sent it to me within 2 weeks of each other. The SAME exact paragraph in a 250+ page book. Coincidence? I think not. Here I am, at 34, just a woman who is afraid to try something new because it makes me feel vulnerable.  

Courtesy of Brene Brown (Daring Greatly)

I am getting ready to launch an Indiegogo campaign for my First and Last Day of School Photo Prop and I am terrified I won’t have as many supporters as I need to reach my goal. I’m terrified I will fall short. I feel like I am launching a new business all over again and I just did that less than 6 months ago. In the words of Doc McStuffins – I have “a case of the vulnerabilities.” Rewind to yesterday and I told my daughter that it was OK to be scared and try new things. And actually - that trying new things is probably one of the most important things in life because it’s how we grow. I feel like I should be 1,000 feet tall for all the new things that have come my way this year and I have faced – both professionally and personally. At the end of the day – this isn’t a contest and I just need to be true to myself and be me.

I can’t expect my daughter to try new things and not be scared because it’s just part of life.   Here’s to not taking ourselves too seriously and here is to our 3-year-old’s words of wisdom when it comes to fear and vulnerability. “PLAY.” So folks, what are you going to “play” today? I’m going to go tackle the back end of this Indiegogo campaign and in a few weeks I’m going to share it with you. Trust me, you won’t want to miss snapping your kids’ first and last day of school with this product. I got you covered, busy moms and dads!

Many of you have asked for Time Snap updates + blog posts. First off, THANK YOU!  Here is the link to subscribe to our newsletter.  Lastly, I learned that "mentors" come in all shapes and sizes.  Don't be afraid to ask a three year old for advice - they just might surprise you.  

Full of Grace,

Mary