My kids and I spend a lot of time at the park. Especially during these summer months. It’s pretty much a necessity for them to burn off some of their non-stop energy. My daughter’s favorite thing to do at the park has always been to swing. I should say, her favorite thing to do is have someone (aka me) push her on the swing with no end in sight.
We were at the park recently and immediately she runs to the swing. She hops on and excitedly says “push me, mommy!” No problem. On the first push I hear “push me high to the sky! Mommy, I wanna go to the sky!” I tell her, I’m pushing and she’ll get to the sky in a minute. She’s not having it and start repeating, “I wanna go high, I wanna go high, Mommy!” I’m trying to explain to her that we have to build up to that. You don’t just hop on the swing and start flying. Adult logic to a three year old doesn’t always work. She’s not hearing it. Immediately once she’s swinging she thinks she needs to be touching the clouds – from the first push. Her little demands to go higher right away got me to thinking about life. Seriously, this is how my brain works. Everything works its way into a life lesson. Yup.
When it comes to the things we want, how many of us want it high, up to the sky, right now? *Both hands raised!* I think we all get like that. When you see the goal and you can imagine how good it feels. Or you remember what it felt like last time you reached your goal. You want to get there ASAYesterday! Nobody has time for the gradual build up!
That’s all fine and good if we’re willing to do the work. When your goal is only reached by someone else’s effort you’ve got a few choices:
Be patient. We all know nothing happens overnight. That doesn’t stop us from wanting it though. If your goals are dependent on other people, sometimes you have to just wait. Though what you want is a big deal to you, it may just be more work for them.
Find an alternate goal. My daughter loves the slide! I think she likes the speed. She could easily mosey on over to the slide where she needs no help at all instead of complaining about the speed of the swing. If you can find a work around to get what you want without waiting on someone else. Why not? There’s always another way. We usually just need to look for it. Your GPS offers alternate routes for a reason. There’s always more than one way to get what you want.
[ctt title=”Your GPS offer alternate routes for a reason. There’s more than one way to get what you want.” tweet=”Your GPS offer alternate routes for a reason. There’s more than one way to get what you want. http://ctt.ec/ah54K+ via @CameshaGosha” coverup=”ah54K”]
Figure out how to get there on your own. When it comes to my daughter, she is totally fine with me working my arms until they are about to fall off. She’s perfectly content to sit there and enjoy the ride – as long as it’s going to her liking. I’m working with her on using her legs so she can go “high, up to the sky” without my arms! While waiting for help from someone else, what can you be doing to help the process along? Is it time to use what you already have to get closer?
I like this as a life lesson! I think I expect a lot of help “pushing” me to reach my goals, but I need to not be so dependent on help!
love this, not everything comes straight away , you have to work to get there
Natasha Mairs recently posted…Gibsons Buckingham Palace Jigsaw Review
Having help can be nice, but we really need to make sure we’re carrying the load. We can’t be successful if we don’t do the work!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Think Publix Think Beauty – Enter on Facebook for a Chance to Win $50
Being patient was not my daughter’s strongpoint as a three year old either, lol. Luckily for me, it helped teach ME patience.
I am new to blogging and I remind myself every day I need to push myself to get ahead. Great post!
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted…Virgin {or Not} Tequila Sunrise Popsicles
Awesome points. Patience is important
Debbie Denny recently posted…New Omega Boost Junior + Nordic Naturals âOne + One = Moreâ Campaign! Plus Giveaway!
It’s amazing how everyday life situations, even time at the park with your kids, can provide a life lesson. Great post.
Kim recently posted…LUNA by FOREO for Sensitive/Normal Skin Review
It’s really cool how you related this interaction to a life lesson. Soon she’ll be getting there on her own terms!
Liz Mays recently posted…How to Save My Life – Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix #StreamTeam
What a great post and excellent reminder. We have to be patient. Can’t touch the clouds immediately!
Felicia recently posted…Dragons: Race to the Edge on Netflix!
I am the type of person that does like relying on others and enjoys working to achieve my own goals. If that means I have to wait a little longer or work a little harder, so be it.
Marcie W. recently posted…Top Summer Safety Tips For Toddlers
Very good analogy! I am seriously all about going high to the sky right now, like yesterday.
Theresa recently posted…Love and Friendship Are a Two Way Street.
I feel like sometimes we rely on others for the success of our goals when we should rely on ourselves. I think being more independent would help a lot.
Toni | Boulder Locavore recently posted…How to Make a Rainbow Milk Carton Pinata
Isn’t it funny how our kids can teach us life lessons? I think to reach our goals we need that first push, but then it’s up to us to keep things moving.
Marissa recently posted…Get Free Products to Review from Influenster
Our kids give us so many opportunities for life lessons, don’t they. Sometimes I feel like they are a big mirror reflecting all the lessons I still have to learn. I appreciate this, ” The GPS offers alternate routes for a reason…”. Sometimes we take the wrong turn and we have to back track or maybe catch a short cut, but it is that journey that makes all the difference… even when we have to learn the lesson a few times. 🙂
Blessings,
Dawn
Dawn recently posted…When Grace Pours Out-{Warrior Heart Series}
Yes, the park is often a saviour for me after school.
Some good points there. Children need to understand that
life is a marathon , not a sprint.
Bryce Rae recently posted…Teaching Your Children About Money
It’s been many years since I’ve had to push one of my kids on a swing. But I completely relate to your story. It is so true we adults want what we want right now! It’s a hard lesson for us to learn. If our kids can learn to be patient or problem solve, so can we.
Tammi recently posted…Portland Photo Walk and Tour
This is a wonderful post. I like that you mention to have patience. That is so important with any life lesson.
Valerie recently posted…First Wheelchair Accessible SUV Announced Following Go Further With Ford #FordTrends
I love the metaphor! I am a really self motivated person but I love being there to push and motivate my friends too.
Sabrina recently posted…3 Ingredient Fresh Strawberry Sorbet
I definitely depend on my motivational people in my life to push me. But I am so the do it myself kind of girl. Nice life lesson
Christie recently posted…Unique Jewelry with SOUFEEL Charm Bracelet Review + Giveaway
Lovely reflections. I think we can all do with a push at times!
Caitlin recently posted…Alice in Wonderland – Down the Rabbit Hole
I love your analogy. Wonderful teaching moment you had on the playground with your daughter. I think that is awesome. We do have to work up to our ultimate goals, it doesn’t just happen.
Keelie Reason recently posted…My Favorite Love Songs
Patience is not my strong suite. I admit, I do want those goals to be accomplished right now, but I know that working towards them is so much more rewarding in the end.
Theresa recently posted…SinfulColors Is A Class Act
I see the life lesson in things too. My 6-year-old wants to be pushed even though she can do it herself. I’m trying to teach her that if she wants to go higher, she’ll have to work harder. Never too young to learn the value of hard work.
Crystal recently posted…What is a Wisdom Panel Canine DNA Test?
I am so bad at being patient! I really need to work on that one!
We have to push ourselves. So many time we push others and don’t give half of that back to us. I push others and go hard for so many other people and that takes away time for me and my goals.
Kita recently posted…Dial Rewards Program
My 9 month old is demanding so I can only imagine the more vocal he becomes the more demanding he’ll be as well. I love that you turned this into a life lesson and it’s one that grown ups and 3 yr olds can both take advice out of.
What a great post and an excellent reminder. I loved the analogy you used.
I love this. I always want to touch the sky. I’ve always been impatient. I am trying to work on that.
I absolutely love the analogy. I realize in the race to success, it is a marathon and not a sprint. We need each other.
Kimberly recently posted…How to Want The Hard Things
Cute and insightful post! It is true that not everything comes easily and quickly. Patience needs to be valued and learned
coolchillmom recently posted…Grilled Dessert Pizzettes and Calzone Recipe
This post reminds me of where I am in my life. I have always wanted to be married and habe kids. I am 35 and not even dating anyone right now. As I have gotten older I had been patient and continue to be that the right man will come along. But I am also looking at my alrernatives and seeing how I can at least get to motherhood on my own as a single mother by choice.
Chasing Joy recently posted…Make Monday Your Fresh Start
Camesha I loved this post! I am like your toddler…I am super impatient sometimes but I agree the push you need to go far…stars with a build up. You can get to where you want without some pressure with the speed…love it!
kiwi recently posted…I Love My Perfect Curls with Curlkalon | Crochet Braids
It is so funny how little people can be such eye openers. So important to have smaller goals to reach our bigger ones. Thanks!
The Conservative Mommy recently posted…The Liebster Award- New Recipients
Patience is so important to teach kids. My Daughter used to want me to push her on the swing all the time. So i taught her how to do it her self. She was so proud of herself.
This was such a wonderfully thought provoking post. I always struggle with determining how much to stand back and let my boys do things, complete things along side them….this parenting gig is hard work!
Amanda recently posted…Green Summer Beauty Staples
Great post. I need this reminder and I need to refocus on some of my goals.
Stefanie recently posted…Clean First for the Best Finish with Puracyn Plus
What a fantastic life lesson to share. I could hear my dad reminding me the day I swung way high that it was important not to bail out (my next favorite trick) until I got closer to Earth. It’s always easier to understand motivation and life lessons when you have a coach for guidance.
Great life lesson, we all need pushed every now and again. I currently have a new mentor in my life who is pushing me in my writing. Love it!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) recently posted…Sweet Purple Coleslaw – add a splash of color to your table
This is a great post. I love the quote. I tweeted it. I am learning that we learn more from our kids that we can ever actually teach them…
This is a great life lesson and one that I still need to remember, especially, Be Patient!”
Ty recently posted…Introducing WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends of Sports Stars)
This is such an amazing post. Sometimes I think we never think about how to achieve our goals all on our own.
Felissa @ Two Little Cavaliers recently posted…How to Make a Rainbow Milk Carton Pinata
Great post! Thanks for sharing this!
Shannon Gauger recently posted…Surviving Summer
i like the life lesson . i push my self keep working even its too hard for me co’z i have 2 years old and a 8 months baby. i keep on my mind i need to work
I’m glad to hear that it’s not just me. I have that same conversation with my 5 year old daughter at the park, too. Just like you, I try to encourage her to take charge of the ride and propel herself. I guess she thinks it’s more fun when I do it.
Raki (Outside the Box Mom) recently posted…Grocery Store Deals: July 29 – August 11, 2015
Oh this is so good! I love how you used this to show us how important it is to do the work to get to our goals and be open to different means of getting there.
Adanna recently posted…Energizing Tips For Busy Moms
Def. both hands in the air. 😉 I’ve got some huge goals right now, I am working hard and getting a hand up too. 🙂
Such solid advice! Everything definitely works its way into a life lesson, (or a blog post, haha.) Such a great metaphor you made here with the swinging. I can totally relate, and a lot of times I find myself waiting around for who knows what to even begin. I also really love the way you added that survey button at the end of the post, great little design and great idea to get feedback! 🙂 Have a great week!
Monique recently posted…About Those Shiny, Happy Impulses…[28 Days to 30]
After my son had his special needs diagnosis I was scared to push him in therapy. However I did, and I kept at him practicing and he went from being non verbal to talk and singing two years later. I’m so happy he did all that hard work.
Ashleigh Walls recently posted…3 Simple Steps to Feel More Energized Daily
What an awesome lesson! It’s amazing what we can learn through the eyes of a child!
Marina John recently posted…The 50’s styled Southern Flyer Diner in Brenham, Texas {#VisitBrenham}
What a lovely post. We need to push ourselves if we want to succeed. I love how you explained to your child that you can’t get that high in a single push.
It is definitely time for me to push myself more. I’ve been doing it a little but I find I give up too easily sometimes. However I’m working on it.
Katherine G recently posted…Me & A 30 Day Fitness Challenge
Omg isn’t it strange that little ones who are soooo very young can teach use the most valuable lessons in life?!?!
I’ve thought of this before too, when my kids were younger and they kept asking me to push them higher. I would tell them, “you need to learn how to pump your legs so you can get higher yourself.” Great lesson – to give them the independence to learn they need to work to get higher, and to depend on themselves.
Maria recently posted…How to Make Your Own Body Butter
I think too many people expect a push, but the truth is, you have to work hard yourself to get anywhere!
Beth recently posted…#FindingAsia: Japan Day Chicago
This really made me stop and think. I do love all your posts and programs!
Krystal recently posted…Blog Conference Tips
This is a great story and analogy. So many times, we want things to happen quick without the build-up. I heard someone say that “you have to go THROUGH something to go TO something.” I enjoyed reading the post and look forward to checking out more of your work.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Ramona recently posted…Tech Tuesday: 4 Social Media Stories that Rocked the Industry
So true! We have to be patient and let the Creator/Higher Power/God…whomever you look to, to provide. I’m still learning this lesson.
Keisha recently posted…Cover it up with SkinIt + Giveaway
This is a very good lesson. Love this story and analogy. I hope to pass this onto my kids that working hard and striving for excellence is essential in life for success.
Jonathan Key recently posted…The No Spend Challenge – Day 31: Plan for the Holidays
So True… I retweeted. Learning that it takes time and work to achieve goals is often a hard lesson. Hard lesson but very valuable lesson.
Debbie L. recently posted…Ripped Away by Wendy Miller
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post!! So many fantastic points you made Camesha!! Thank you for these wonderful, necessary reminders!!
April recently posted…Are There Degrees of Integrity?
These are great tips and good advice. Thanks for sharing!
I am constantly giving myself little reminders to push myself. I get discouraged when things dont go as smoothly as I wish them to and I need to keep myself motivated.
I love that your daughter inspired all this, sometimes it is our kids who inspire the best out of us! I do everything to remain motivated and give myself weekly goals to get started
Nancy recently posted…5 Simple Ways to Create a Healthier Home as Working Mom
That is just what I needed today. I am discouraged, and yet I know that I am on a good path. Thanks for the encouragement.
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