Today I dropped my daughter off at a new summer camp for the day, and would you believe me if I told you that I was up for 2 hours in the middle of the night because my brain wouldn't stop? I was thinking about a million things - did I get everything on her camp checklist? Did I remember to write her name on her goggles? I better wake up early so I can make her lunch and get both the kids ready - did I set my alarm? What's the car line protocol? Will they let me park and take her inside myself since it's her first day? Will she be ok not knowing the other kids or the routine? Why am I going crazy?
Then I figured it out - I had a million butterflies in my stomach because I was nervous for her. She was going into an unknown situation and I was worried about my oldest baby. I was worried about the CHANGE. So I calmed myself down and thought logically about it all:
- Yes, we all get nervous about the unknown or about Change - it's human nature to stick to what we know and the familiar
- But if we never push ourselves out of our comfort zones, we never grow - and we never get to explore new and exciting things. We never know what we are missing out on - what could be a zillion times better that what we know now.
- I had to let go and push her a bit - just like I do for myself. I push myself to try new things all the time - like starting a new business, or trying out new recipes with completely new ingredients, or new workout classes - WHY? Because I want to know more. I want to see if there's something out there that's better. I want to continue to grow and change and get better in my life. So why shouldn't I do the same for my child?
- Furthermore, I am always talking about how, as parents, we set the most important examples for our children - right? They look up to us to know what's ok and what's not ok. So I have to show her that change is GOOD. It's how we learn, it's how we move forward in life. It's how we can make things better for ourselves and for others around us.
So this morning, when she said to me, "Mommy, I'm nervous." I put on my bravest face and said, "It's totally OK to be nervous honey. It happens to everyone. But it's going to be great. You are going to try new things and meet new people and open up a whole new world." With that, she smiled at me and simply said, "OK." And I knew that she was going to be fine, and better for the new experiences.
As sign-ups for my new coaching group close out this week, I hope you also consider this if the fear of change or the unknown has been holding you back -- you'll never know what you're missing until you give something new a try. Don't let the opportunity door close before you even get a chance to stick a toe in. Trust me, I don't think you will be disappointed for trying.