As someone who has often identified as timid, I find myself grappling with a range of fears, from insects and birds to social gatherings and public speaking. The thought of trying new experiences can be daunting, and I have a particular aversion to clowns and darkness. Phone calls? Those are a nightmare. My introverted and anxious tendencies have long created a cocoon of comfort that I inhabited for years. However, one significant life event transformed my outlook and compelled me to confront my fears: becoming a parent.
The day I welcomed my child into the world was both freezing—literally, as it was -40 degrees—and a pivotal moment in my journey towards bravery. Parenthood has no room for timidity, and my children have pushed me to abandon my cozy comfort zone. Here are five ways my children are nurturing my courage daily:
- Shattering the Comfort Zone: Motherhood swiftly taught me that comfort zones are non-existent in parenting. While comfort foods are welcome, comfort zones are not. The labor and delivery room marked the end of my comfort zone, and now I find myself donning bunny ears in public and engaging in spontaneous dance-offs at the grocery store. Singing silly songs at the library and making faces at the park have become the norm. Embracing my inner child has proven to be far more exhilarating than clinging to comfort.
- A Shift in Priorities: Before becoming a parent, I overly valued the opinions of others—be it friends, family, or even strangers. However, motherhood has drastically altered this perspective. There are days when I realize, upon arriving somewhere, that I haven’t showered and am still in yesterday’s yogurt-stained leggings. For survival in this parenting journey, I’ve learned to prioritize my children’s happiness over external judgments. If they are fed, clothed, and happy, that’s what matters most.
- Everyday Exposure Therapy: There’s no better way to address fears than through daily exposure, and parenting provides ample opportunity for this. If I dread making phone calls, I’m suddenly tasked with scheduling numerous appointments for my children. If new places intimidate me, I find myself navigating unfamiliar locations for my child’s care. Scared of creepy crawlies? Expect to be introduced to the insects your child proudly brings home. The exposure therapy I receive as a parent is invaluable and completely free, unlike traditional therapy sessions.
- Finding My Voice: As an introvert and a people-pleaser, assertiveness did not come naturally to me. However, parenting has compelled me to discover my voice and advocate for my children. Standing up for their rights—especially when they cannot speak for themselves—has been a crucial act of bravery. This newfound assertiveness not only benefits me but also sets an example for my children, instilling in them the importance of finding their own voices.
- Pursuing Dreams: I hold numerous aspirations for my children—dreams I was once too afraid to chase for myself. Now, as a mom, it’s clear that to inspire them, I must also pursue my dreams. This requires me to be vulnerable and take creative and professional risks. Whether it’s asking for a promotion or going back to school, my children observe my efforts to reach for the stars, motivating me more than any external incentives could.
While these five acts of courage may seem modest compared to the grand feats of bravery we often see, I believe that courage manifests in many forms. For this recovering timid individual, these small yet impactful acts of bravery, inspired by my two adventurous children, feel like a superhero transformation.
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Summary
Parenthood has profoundly influenced my personal growth, challenging me to confront fears and embrace courage in various aspects of life. In learning to prioritize my children’s needs, find my voice, and pursue my dreams, I have discovered that bravery can manifest in everyday experiences.