Life Lessons From a 4-Year Old
I did something last week. I conquered a fear — heights.😨 Well, maybe not conquered it, it’s still there. But I challenged myself.
I climbed up the 10 flights of steel spiral stairs to get to the top of the lighthouse in St. Augustine. I’ve wanted to go for a long time, but never had the opportunity.
Finally, my time had come. But, I had to go alone. No support system to talk me through the panic of the narrow, spiral stairs with the teeny tiny railing.
I bought my ticket, walked around the lighthouse a bit, sucked in a deep breath and went for it.
On the way up, I talked to strangers who were coming down. I stopped on one of the landings, not because I was tired, but I needed to get mentally prepared. Then it was ON to the top! I was going to do this!
Finally, at the top, where the lighthouse narrowed to a single step and a door to the outside, I had no choice but to step on to the steel ledge around the lighthouse.
I moved, my back pressed to the stable wall of the lighthouse (it survived hurricanes it must be strong — right?) to the side facing the Atlantic. I could see for miles. It was breathtaking.
Again, I talked to strangers. They wanted me to move. I shook my head. Nope. I’m afraid of heights. I am staying here. They nodded, smiled and understood.
I tried to breath, and not think about the tiny bolts holding up the ledge I was standing on. They’re iron. They can rust, right? The salt water makes things rust…
But, when a little boy of about four and his mom joined me, I had to laugh at myself. She pressed herself to the wall against me. He proceeded to grab the iron railing and yell and wave down to his father. He had absolutely no fear. He was so excited to be up in the AIR and yelling to his dad.
“We climbed the stairs. Dad! We’re way up high!”
I looked at his mom and said, “He’s freaking me out right now.”“
Me too!” She said. “But he’s safe and he’s happy.”
I wonder though, would he have felt so safe without her? What if she’d said no, don’t do that it’s dangerous. Or, I’m scared — stop it. Would he have been so carefree and excited? Or would he have given up the climb before he even started?
He wasn’t in any danger. Ever. He was safe. His mom made him feel safe. So did his father who was yelling up to him from below. He had a fabulous support system.
Why is that girl hanging for the railing like that????
So where am I going with this story? Fear is okay. Fear stopping you from doing things you want to do — isn’t. Having a support system around you can help you through the fear, it can even ensure it doesn’t happen.
I created my own support system that day. Using strangers, a little boy who was happy and excited, and a lighthouse docent.
Then, I climbed down. My knees were a little shaky when I hit land. I rewarded myself with pancakes. 🥞
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