English: View from the diving board at Rippon Lea in Victoria, Australia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I had a hard time learning to dive as a kid. I was too timid. I first learned to dive off the side of the pool, but four foot diving board scared me. Even once I could use the diving board I never bounced on it much. I still now watch in amazement as Olympic springboard divers bounce, flip and tuck before breaking the surface at high speed. For me, even the most basic dive was one of those things best done without thinking much about it. Look for a wide open section of water you know is deep enough to be safe then run, let go and just dive in. When I think too much it slows me down. I am a planner. I like things to fit into neat little boxes with check lists and Excel spreadsheets. But sometimes it feels good to let
go and just dive in head first, making my list on the fly, not being sure what the outcome will be. I often find myself with my toes in the water. Afraid to see what will happen.
My daughter’s behavior is unpredictable, as are my sons eating habits. I find myself hoping that today he will nurse, the teeth will finally break through and he will eat properly and gain weight again. I hope that she will be compliant and just a little more self sufficient than yesterday. I want to say that I just dive into each day, but truth be told it feels more like they pull me in, clothes and all.
I can certainly relate to being planner. It’s always been a challenge for me to “fly by the seat of my pants” But, I’m learning that being more open to it has allowed more joy and growth in my life.
Fantastic post. I have never learned to dive off a diving board myself. I think it’s wonderful that you would dive in without thought! And your little ones, just wait, they will continue changing as they grow older and things do get easier. Time will come where there will be less of them pulling and more of you pushing them toward greatness 🙂
when i teach reluctant kids how to dive, i have them lean over the pool until their hands are almost touching the water… and them pull them in. 🙂
Oh well, some way or the other, we do get in, don’t we. Hang in there, dear one. In a wink, they will be all grown up!
Hugs x
Mia
I am most definitely a planner! But like you said, sometimes it feels great to just let go and plan on the go!
I feel ya. It’s hard to dive when you’re exhausted and the job is hard, no matter that you’ll have great rewards. Hugs.