You can do it

Yesterday the youngest of the family celebrated her 3rd birthday. As per tradition in family we not only wish you happy birthday but we also showered her with gifts. My Bestie (her nickname as she can make everyone feel special and loved) knows this tradition very and she whispered in my ear that she would get her gift after play time hanti (meaning right) so you already know your girl had to make a plan. I took her to slides and watched her in her element, it was pure joy.

 

As adults we often fear for children s safety and naturally you then start limiting their movement’s .But l made a conscious effort not to restrict Bestie s freedom. And guess what that’s when magic happened. She attempted to climb a slide with an obstacle course, almost fell and this point l could tell she was murmuring something to herself. I moved closer and with each attempt she repeated I CAN DO THIS, her determination warmed my heart. Needless to say she kept at it until she got to top and as she slide down she was beaming with a smile happy she did it.Witnessing her resilience left me in awe, imagine Bestie as an adult –unstoppable!

My take away from this experience:

1. People will limit you based on their fears.

In most cases when we have brilliant ideas which we share with the wrong ears who then discourage us. (In the words of Alphi Sipho be careful).

2. Be your own hype person.

Do not wait for someone to cheer you on. Bestie self-encouragement inspired me.

3. Silence the noise and focus on your goals regardless of onlookers.

l love how she kept going regardless of who was watching and did not pay attention to what others were doing but had tunnel vision of wanting to achieve her goal.

4. Celebrate your achievements.

When Bestie reached the top, she proudly declared, look l did it.!Only she knew what it took to get to the top.

5. Belief in oneself starts from a young age.

 Parents speak positively to your children trust me they hear and they become the difference between an assertive child and timid one. My late sister, an ECD teacher once said A child s play and interactions reveal their home environment. Her advice let children play, explore and discover themselves. This builds character.

Bestie s birthday reminded me of these valuable lessons. May we all embody her resilience and determination!.