As a mother, one of the things that I have tried to emphasize in our family is that "We do hard things". I really feel like having an attitude of perseverance is so important in overcoming life's challenges and allowing us to fulfill our potential so we've done our best to start making it a mantra in our home. Talking about doing hard things is actually quite easy, however doing them it something else. Back at the beginning of this year we (yes, we) had the chance to not just talk the talk, but do some of that "hard things" walking as well.
After a challenging, but in the end successful, first year of football last fall we decided we would give spring indoor football a try as well to hone and strengthen some of the skills the boys had recently acquired. It seemed like a logical plan at the time, however it only took one practice to realize we had made some major miscalculations. What we hadn't realized was that indoor football really is a different sport. It's much more fast passed, aggressive and skill player heavy. On top of those fine facts was the discovery that because indoor football is a much smaller program it included some of the best, most skilled and aggressive boys from the three nearby programs. Add in some absolutely frigid temperatures during practices and it didn't take long for Reed to feel over his head. And it wasn't just Reed who was struggling, Sam and I were too. I was beginning to wonder what I had gotten us into and wondered if we should get out. Now, I've NEVER been a quitter---it's not something I ever like to consider, but at the time I felt we had to consider it--so we did. We had discussions (waaaay too many) and weighed the pros and cons and in the end we decided that "We do hard things" had to be more than just a manta in our family, it had to be how we lived our lives--so that is just what we did. We did the hard thing and Reed stuck with it.
I was proud of Reed for what he was able to do accomplish physically and emotionally outside of his comfort zone, however one of the most surprising discoveries I made was realizing how hard it was for me. As much as I want my kids to push themselves outside their comfort zones, as a parent it's so much easier to watch them shine in something they already excel at. There were definitely times that I wanted to save us all from this experience, but in the end I'm so glad that I didn't.
Here are some pictures from the last day of practice. You can tell it's from the end of the season because the sun is actually making an appearance and we are not all bundled up in coats in blankets. It was a happy day for all of us.
Tackling drills. Being able to practice with these more experience players was a great opportunity for Reed and he really improved throughout the season.
The not very spectating spectators. Max started the season as well, but after a not-so-great experience at one of his games we took him out. We actually later regretted our decision and he returned to his team for the rest of the season. Ugggg....this parenting thing is definitely a work in progress for us.
I may have regretted our decision to pull Max out for part of the season, but Ruby certainly did not mind having someone else to play with during Reed's practice. I love watching their made up games.
I'm pretty sure Harlow was just there for the snacks.
..and photo ops.
Even she can let me know when she's had enough pictures.
If you ask Reed for a list of the hardest things he's ever done, I'm pretty sure he'll mention indoor football near the top. It was a growing and learning experience for all of us--not one I'd choose again, but still an opportunity. Watching him on the field now at start of Fall football I can see that through this experience he has developed skills, strengths and confidence that are so valuable, however more than anything I hope he has learned a little more deeply that WE DO HARD THINGS...and are better for it when we do.
