Fulfill Your Dreams

Fulfill Your Dreams
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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Learning Life Lessons in Unlikely Places

Last weekend I took my granddaughter to the Burlington City Park for an Easter Egg hunt. The best part was that the first hunt would be for children ages 2-5. Maddie is 3. Perfect! Without all the older kids on the field vying for eggs, she was sure to get a few to put into her basket. 

When we arrived, all the kids and parents were lined up in a HUGE circle with a TON of brilliantly colored eggs gracing the field. We all stood at the ready, waiting for the sign when we could converge upon the shiny orbs and make them ours. Maddie and I were just 3 deep in line from the closest eggs. 

I've never seen anything like it, y'all. When it was time to 'hunt,' the sea of humans overtook those eggs and in less than a minute, the game was over. 

And Maddie's basket was.....empty

Hers wasn't the only one and there were parents commiserating the disappointment. Not wanting Maddie to get caught up in it, I leaned down and said, "Hey, let's go for a ride on the train!" "Yay!" she said and, in her excitement and anticipation, she completely chose to focus on the fun ahead and not the disappointment of an empty Easter basket. 

Have you ever focused on what you didn't have or what went wrong? I know I have. It'll ruin a good day. 

Not only did we ride the train, but she enjoyed rides on a boat, truck and helicopter. (That was $5 worth of tickets well spent!) 
"Let's go to the playground, Mimi!" and off she ran with me quickly following. I realized that, while I used to walk fast to keep up, now I was having to run too. (Getting in shape isn't just an option anymore!) She buried her feet in sand. And, as it was a little cool, Mimi (yeah, that's me) wouldn't let her go barefooted, so we simply dumped the sand out of the shoes after. (Sorry, mom, if you're washing sandy socks today.)

Finally, I saw her eyeing the BIG SLIDE. She took a few steps toward it. And looked to me. "Oh, no, chickadee, that's for bigger kids." 

"Mom and Dad let me do it." 

Now, having been a kid myself, I know that sometimes, we use that line to get our way whether it's completely true or not. After a minute of conversation, and ending with, "Maybe mom will slide down with you later," the fun continued but on the smaller, safer slides. 

Soon mom stopped by and informed Mimi that, yes, Maddie could slide down the BIG SLIDE......all by herself! (Obviously, this kid is growing up faster than I can keep up with!)
I had limited her in my own mind, even questioned her integrity, and yet she was completely capable and eager to tackle something BIG. And she'd spoken the truth. Have you ever been limited by another person's beliefs in what you're capable of? Have you ever known in your heart you could accomplish something, but limited yourself because of what others thought? Has your integrity been questioned? 

I learn a lot from other people. Who knew I'd learn some life lessons from hanging out with a 3-year-old? Where do you find teachable moments?

   *Focus on the opportunity, not the disappointment. 
   *Believe in yourself, even when others don't. 
   *Have fun!

Join me in looking for opportunities to learn and grow. Even if the lessons are in unlikely places, like on a spring day hanging out with a 3-year-old. And, if that's the case, you're guaranteed to have fun!


Kudos to the young man at the park who tried to convince his son to share an Easter egg with the little girl who didn't have any. Even though it didn't work out, it was great to see a parent making an effort to teach his child about sharing. (Maddie's Mimi says, "You rock!")

Jean Bailey Robor is that "No Buts About It" expert who simply wants you to lead happier and more successful lives. Getting past what's holding you back and changing your mindset can put you on that path to better living. Click here to book Jean for your next event!

UPDATE: The next day, Maddie had an egg hunt at my house. Guaranteed to find a basketful of eggs!