Hey there! Before we dive in, let me assure you this isn’t one of those “letters” that adults often write, loaded with unsolicited advice about your fashion choices or social media habits. Trust me, I’m just as tired of those as you are.
You might not remember me, but we crossed paths at the local pool last week. I use the term “crossed paths” loosely, as I didn’t catch your names and you didn’t catch mine. I’d made a deal with my older son: if I dared to jump off the high dive, he’d perform his spectacular cannonball. Easy enough, right? At least that’s what I thought until I climbed the stairs and gazed down at the water below. Wow, that high dive is REALLY high!
The last time I took a plunge from a diving board, I was just a few years older than you, at 18. But oh, how time changes everything! The board seemed so much higher now, and a belly flop wasn’t just a possibility; it felt like a very real threat.
I noticed one of you hesitating, walking to the end of the board and then retreating back. You confided, “It always takes me a few tries before I actually jump.” After a few false starts, you finally took the leap, and soon, you were back in line, thrilled and ready to go again.
As I stood there, I witnessed younger kids—around 8 or 9—jumping off the board with glee. I listened to their excited chatter, filled with encouragement for each other. When my turn came, I hesitated and stepped back, feeling the weight of my fear.
For 20 minutes, I stood frozen, trying to gather the courage to jump. I thought about all the times I’ve pushed through fear and reminded myself that it’s essential to model bravery for my kids. But each time I tried to jump, I found myself retreating, and you two were right there, offering words of encouragement.
“It’s OK,” one of you said gently. “I get scared too. But after you jump, it’s kind of fun.” Your friend chimed in, “Just don’t look down!” Another commented, “It’s like flying!” We even shared a laugh about the song playing overhead—“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty.
Eventually, I took a step onto the board, looked out at the trees, and attempted to jump. But I turned back again, much to the groans of the younger kids. “Not today, kids,” I said. “Maybe next time.” Then, one of you locked eyes with me and said, “You will regret it if you leave today without jumping. You will regret it.”
I knew deep down you were right. So, when it was my turn again, I walked to the edge. I focused on the trees and took the leap. I heard your cheers before I even hit the water. “Good job!” you called out, and I shouted back a heartfelt thank you.
A little while later, as you walked past me, I called out again, “Thanks, girls!” But you were caught up in laughter, probably sharing inside jokes. I tried to locate you as you mingled, but it seemed you were old enough to enjoy the pool without parental supervision.
As I headed to grab a snack for my kids, my friend teased me, “You should write about your high dive experience.” And that’s when I thought of you two. Yes, I could write about facing fears and how it’s vital to show our kids that we also get scared. I’ve penned those thoughts before and will again, but today, what truly stands out are the two incredible teenage girls I met.
There’s so much scrutiny surrounding teenage girls these days. From discussions about the hyper-sexualization of young girls to debates about clothing choices—are crop tops empowering or scandalous?—it’s all too often a negative spotlight. Plus, there’s the constant eye-roll over your fascination with selfies and social media.
As parents, we strive to instill strength, confidence, and kindness in you. We teach you about self-acceptance in a world that can be harsh. Yet, amidst all this teaching, we often overlook the invaluable lessons you impart to us. You remind us to be brave and to take risks. You teach us that it’s alright to be scared but that we should jump anyway. You show us the value of second chances and resilience.
We may think we have wisdom from our experiences, but we must remember we’re all learning together. So, keep leaping into the deep end and embracing life. Continue to grow and evolve because we’re right there with you, learning and evolving in this journey of life.
If you’re looking for more insights on embracing the journey of parenthood and fertility, check out this interesting blog post here. And for those interested in home insemination options, consider reputable retailers like Make a Mom for at-home kits. Additionally, if you want more information on fertility resources, Hopkins Medicine is an excellent source.
In summary, let’s celebrate the bravery of young girls who inspire us to confront our fears and embrace new challenges. Keep jumping, keep learning, and keep shining!
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