As a Mum I often marvel at the relentless drive and determination children have towards learning and growth.
I recall many shaky bubba moments when they pulled themselves up to a coffee table attempting to stand. The way they tumbled back on their nappy clad bottom to immediately reach back up to try again. The ensuing daily struggle to stand on their own, to let go and eventually wobble their way from the table to my outstretched arms.
Then last week I proudly stood cheering, as they both completed a Cross Country event with ease.
Each and every level of learning to walk and run has involved stumbling, falling down and getting back up and having a go.
Never did they say I quit, carry me forever Mum.
I fondly remember their first attempts to read. The hundreds of nights we spent curled up on their beds practicing readers, learning new sounds and hearing stories begin to unfold from their lips.
Now I watch them digest novels with ease.
Never did they say I quit, read for me forever Mum.
They are older now and I am beginning to hear whispers of doubt and their search for ‘the easier way forward.’
The grit and determination of a small child no longer overriding the hard stuff of learning.
Today as Miss 10 stepped from the swimming pool, after her intense Butterfly and Breast Stroke clinic, she declared, “It is too hard and I don’t like it!”
Followed up with, “Why am I doing this?”
I calmly asked her if she still wanted to improve these two strokes and she confirmed that yes she does.
I was honest and explained to her that achieving the next level will be hard.
That she is growing and developing an already efficient skill.
And that is hard work.
A bit like filling up a bucket with enough knowledge and practice for it to tip over and allow a whole new level of skill to come gushing out as a new part of her.
“In fact once it tips we can use this higher level of skill with ease.” I said. “Like when we took the training wheels off your bike years ago.”
“Oh!” she said relieved. “So it won’t always be this hard, it might get easier?”
“Oh yes darling, yes it will.”
“I can see you are about to step up to a whole new level with your swimming and I do believe you are close to your tipping point.”
The saddest part of all is how often we quit right before the bucket tips, walking away never to reap the full benefit of its flow.
I am not sure yet how much impact my words may have had……that is up to her now.
Success requires buckets full of learning and devotion and we fill the buckets using a whole lot of courage, determination and patience.
Growth is hard, and if you persist when it feels hard, and you are patient you eventually reach your tipping point and life flows at a new level.
Does something feel hard in your life right now?
Could it be that you are challenged by growth and learning?
I encourage you to keep going, fill your bucket and reach those new heights, your tipping point may be closer than you think.
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