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Archive for the ‘comfort zone’ Category

  I like to think that we offer our children a diverse array of experiences on a regular basis.  We do, however, tend to stick to things that we know work. We don't often venture outside our "comfort zone" of kid-friendly activities.

Now that the boys are getting a little older we are making a more concerted effort to take a chance on things that we might not otherwise do.  Sometimes we end up regretting our decision and other time we're so glad that we took that leap off our safe little island.

Last week we did two unusual activities.  The first was the most nerve-wracking. Mike's cousin plays in a bluegrass band.  We got a call that they'd be playing at the WYEP studios in the South Side. It was listed as a free, all-ages show.  I first brought it up to Mike who said "no way, too scary, what if they won't sit still, what if they're loud, what if there aren't any other kids there?"  I agreed with him but really wanted to see the band and figured with our current lack of a babysitter pool our chances to see him another time are pretty slim.

So we packed up our necessities and ventured into unknown waters. 

We had a FABULOUS time.  It was short (maybe 1 hour) and the kids loved the music. They weren't perfectly quiet but they sat still and/or danced and generally enjoyed themselves. And we enjoyed the show as well.  It was a success!

The very next day we were offered free tickets to a Pirates game.  I first thought that it would be too much of a hassle. Staying at home and doing our regular evening routine (dinner, riding bikes in the neighborhood, etc) sounded so much easier.  But then I decided that, once again, we needed to opt for the unusual rather than the same old safe routine.

So we went to the game. I won't lie; it was not 100% pleasure. I'd give it maybe 25% for me. The kids wouldn't sit still and kept getting nearly lost in the crowds, which was scary. And our free tickets still ended up costing us $80 (kids needed foam fingers and we needed beer – survival skills at their finest)

But you know what? I'm glad we went. The boys talked about it all weekend and couldn't wait to tell all their friends and teachers at school on Monday.  It was really fun to see their eyes light up at the size of the stadium, to cheer on the Pirate Parrot and to see their excitement at walking on the bridge (no cars!).  I'm so glad we went.

So we're going to make an effort to do more things like this, to step outside of our comfort zone more, to have more unique and interesting experiences. Even if they don't turn out well we can always leave.  I have some friends that take their kids everywhere and I'm always so in awe of them. I have other friends that never stray from their routine because it would be too much trouble.   I see the value of both, but I want to try and aspire to the former, to try new things.

I owe it to my kids. And to ourselves. Riding bikes gets a little boring after a while.

And if we're really lucky, we'll capture these new moments on film. The boys learned how to do the wave at the baseball game. Ben might be slow but he makes up for his speed with his enthusiasm.  I'll cherish this video forever.

So are you an adventurer or do you like to play it safe? What have you done that is outside of your normal "comfort zone" and was it a success or failure?

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