Four Lessons I learned On A Walk

Today, I took a long walk with the kiddos, and I had the privilege of seeing things from a different perspective.

Lesson 1 – Enjoy Each Season as It Comes

My son wanted to ride his bike during the walk. I wasn’t thrilled. He’s still learning, and honestly, I wasn’t in the mood to teach. I just wanted to enjoy a peaceful walk. So I told him no. He wasn’t happy about it, especially since his sister got to bring her scooter.

He kept lagging behind, and I was running out of patience. So, I grabbed his hand and made him walk at my pace. He didn’t let me off the hook, though. He complained for nearly 10 minutes, until I tried to bribe him. 😂😂😂

We were walking off our usual route, and they were curious about where we were going. I told them it was a secret, and that seemed to excite them. We eventually arrived at a playground, and just like that, my son suddenly remembered he was a sweet soul. He had an amazing time!

As I sat and watched them play, I reflected on his attitude. He had no idea how much fun was ahead, and he spent a good part of the walk focused on what he didn’t get. It reminded me how often we lose sight of the beauty in our journey because we’re fixated on what’s missing or what hasn’t happened yet.

Sometimes, we don’t realize that joy is waiting just ahead. We may never get those moments back. Enjoy the season you’re in. Make the most of it. You never know how long it will last!

As I reflected on my son's frustration, I realized how often we resist change simply because it's unfamiliar. That brings me to my next lesson.

Lesson 2- Don't be afraid to try something new

My kids almost always go to the same two parks because they’re close to home or school. It’s become routine. Today, before we left the house, I suggested trying a different park. My daughter wasn’t keen- she insisted we go to the usual one. I almost gave in, but I’m so glad I didn’t. We had such a great time at the new place!

I get it, we are more comfortable sticking to what we know is safe. But how will you ever experience anything new if you always play it safe? Life is meant to be enjoyed fully. Don’t limit yourself to the familiar. It keeps you in a small pond when you could be out in the ocean, surrounded by beauty, adventure, and growth.

While my son struggled to enjoy the moment, my daughter was hesitant to step into something new. Both reactions had a lesson to teach me.

Lesson 3- It's all in the mind!

At the park, my daughter saw her brother on the monkey bars and decided she wanted to try too. She's older, but he’s the more nimble one. He made it look easy, and she wanted in. But when she tried, she couldn’t lift herself up.

She was visibly disappointed. I offered to help lift her, and even though she wanted to try, she told herself she couldn’t do it, and that belief held her back- no matter how many times I tried to hoist her up, she couldn't do it. I encouraged her, helped her up one last time, and said, “It’s all in your mind. If you believe you can, you will.”

She listened. This time, she really tried, and she did it! Her face lit up with excitement. She soon realized, however, that it wasn't just about getting on the bar, but she also had to move across it. With a little encouragement, she slowly made her way across like a little old lady. 😂😂😂

When she reached the end and I helped her down, she was glowing. She went again. And again. By her third time, she didn’t need my help to get on or off.

It truly is all in the mind. Success or failure starts there. I’m not even being spiritual, it’s just the truth. If you think you can do something, chances are, you’ll find a way. It may take a few tries, but you’ll get there. If you believe you can’t, even with all the help in the world, you likely won’t.

Sitting there, watching my kids explore, it hit me, life isn't just about embracing what’s in front of us, but also stepping into the unknown.

Lesson 4- Nobody cares!

Now here’s the twist: when we got to the playground, I sat on a swing.

Not a big deal, right? Except... I usually wouldn’t. I’m very conscious of my weight and would’ve avoided it if other people were around. But today, we had the place to ourselves, so I sat down. Tentatively. 😂😂😂

At first, I kept one foot on the ground, hey! Man's got to be safe!  😂😂😂 But after a few slow swings, I decided to lift my feet, and guess what? The swing didn’t groan, creak, or collapse! I started swinging higher... until I remembered my village people and decided to behave. LOL!

All this time, I had denied myself the joy of something so simple because of what people might think. And yet, no one cared. No one was even there.

How many times do we hold back from things we genuinely want to do because we’re worried about how we’ll be perceived? Or because someone else thinks it’s “not that deep”?

How often do we underestimate our own potential? That’s exactly what my daughter experienced when she tried the monkey bars. If you'd only face your front, you'd see that what you need is right inside you!

Deliver yourself from people.

We’re often more willing to try something once we’ve seen it work for someone else. But when it’s just us, we hold back, afraid to fail.

Love yourself enough to try.

Don’t wait for validation. Don’t wait to see someone else do it first. Go for it!

Four lessons. One walk. So much to unpack.

Life really does teach you when you slow down enough to listen. 

Are you slowing down to see the roses? What everyday lesson has impacted you recently?