Jump In

When our lads were little, we went to stay with friends at a shack on the River Murray. There were people there that I did not know well, so naturally I was wearing make-up, had blow dried my hair and was wearing a glamorous long top over my bathers, attempting to pull off a casual chic look.

We were sitting up on the first story deck, drinking wine, chatting, and watching our children jump in the river. A delightful way to spend a hot summer’s afternoon.

Until…

My two sons bolted up the grassy slope and yelled up at us on the deck.

“Mum! Mum! You gotta come and jump in the Murray! It’s fabulous! Mum… Mum you'd love it! Come on!”

Sigh…

I was white, I was hairy, I had cellulite. The LAST thing I wanted to do was to pull off my muumuu, throw on a bulky lifejacket and be seen in all my glory launching myself off the jetty.?

I sat there, counted to 5, lent over the railing and yelled “Whoo hoo! I’m coming down!”

Here is the thing.

There are many reasons not to do something, it could be dangerous, and you get injured, it could be a scam and you’ll lose money. But if your reason for not doing something is “Oh, I may look silly or I will be embarrassed.” You will be missing out on so many opportunities.

Our comfort zone is encased in a veneer of fear – we need to be courageous and be able to punch through the shell of fear for us to grow, learn and flourish

So here is what I want you to say to yourself next time you are feeling uncomfortable

-????????? What is stopping me?

-????????? Why not have a crack?

-????????? What is the worst that could happen?

-????????? What is the best that could happen?

-????????? Will I live to regret missing out?

My little boys are now in their 20s, and yes, it is true what they say that the days pass slowly but the years fly by. I’m so glad that I jumped in when I had the chance.

(On a side note, someone once asked my eldest son if he ever got embarrassed and he said “Nah, have you met my mother?” ?? Job done!)