Emma Claire ran in her first race on Saturday.  It was one of those defining moments of motherhood.  A milestone.  Where you let go of control and you give your children their wings for a minute.  To be independent. To try something new.  To be brave.  To be a little scared.   And I couldn’t get over the feeling I felt as I stood on the sidelines doing just that: giving up control.  How scared I felt…what if she get’s lost, what if someone knocks her over, what if she changes her mind in the middle of the race…  

But there was also a touch of thrill, the same feeling at the top of a mountain on a ski trip or in the hallway before an important job interview.  A confusing mix of emotions.  Mostly excited, but a touch of scared.

And really.  I think that that is exactly the kind of thing that can drive a human soul.

When I think of raising my children and putting them out to take on the world I get scared and excited all at the same time.  And I want to tell them…

Seek adventure.

Think outside of the box.

Try new things and reinvent yourself.

Go against the grain when necessary.

Aim high, higher than you think you can go.

But don’t.

Don’t let the fear be the thing that stops you.

The fear is what makes it a thrill.

The fear is what keeps you humble.

The fear is what makes you appreciate the success.

And makes for the most thrilling of all adventures.

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