It’s a good thing kids are built like rubber bands.
They can hit the ground from 6ft up and bounce right back up on their feet like nothing happened.
Parents on the other hand? We’d be down for the count
We’d be listed on the permanent injury report as “questionable - day to day” 😅
Stub your toe on a table and suddenly the whole day is under review.
Straight spiraling y’all.
But only if you LET IT.
Holding onto those annoyances will compound over time
And the longer you bear that weight, the heavier it gets.
Enter the glass of water metaphor:
How Heavy Is This Glass Of Water? A Short Story About Managing Stress
The absolute weight does not matter.
The longer you hold it, the heavier it becomes.
Time is the determining factor
Take your stylish Stanley or faithful Yeti cups for example
We only really need to hold onto them while we are thirsty and actively drinking.
After a refreshing sip, it goes back into the cup holder.
Carrying it around any longer is unnecessary.
Same goes for stress.
Sip it. Process it. Set it down.
Whether it’s physical pain or mental fatigue, we got what the doctor ordered 😉
Concussively Capable 🤕
The local district middle school offers a Ski/Snowboard club
Discounted gear. Discounted passes. Deal.
Our oldest (“A”) has been going for 3 years and loves it.
When they hear about his experience, naturally his little bro’s follow suit.
Monkey see, monkey do. 🐒
Growing up Snowboarding for most teenage years into adulthood myself, this has been a great experience to bring them all onto the slopes.
Full circle moment.
Then there’s the second born (“B”)…
Watching Olympic athletes performing all types of twists, turns and flips that seem humanly impossible
Right on brand, he thinks to himself “Yea, I can do that.”
While his bravery for new challenges goes unmatched, there will be times when he bites off a little more than he can chew.
Confidence –✅
Caution – Still loading ⏳
“B” is trying all the courses available on the hill.
He sets goals every attempt:
· Make it down without falling
· Backside carve (stop/turn) 3 times
· Land a grind on the box
And he’s improving extremely fast.
Maybe too fast for comfort.
Persistently attempting the grind box.
Until…
He biffed an edge and tumbles hard.
It’s not the first time he’s fallen (and won’t be the last)
But this one was different.
He popped up like usual, but this time there were real tears.
“My board hit my head” 😢
Helmet on of course.
But a lump the size of a circus peanut appears behind his bangs.
Not a sight for sore eyes.
Ski patrol office here we come
After ice and a quick check, he’s cleared to leave.
His biggest concern?
Not the pain, but embarrassment
Going to school and seeing his friends in this condition was not cool bro.
Every adult he saw conjured up a story to spin into legendary status:
“You should see the bear!”
“After attempting this incredible 360°….”
“I saved a baby on the hill!”
He was not amused in the slightest.
Dad humor still loading
His next request? Hitting the slopes again.
A durable, feisty and resilient little man.
The youth version of hold my beer.
A later hospital visit confirmed a mild concussion.
Mandatory rest. Reluctant compliance
Here’s what we could learn from this dude:
He wasn’t defined by the fall.
He wasn’t stuck in it.
He wasn’t replaying it over and over.
He just wanted to get back up the mountain.
Totally Redeem Yourself 👏
If a 7-year-old can take a wicked fall producing a cartoon size lump and go running back up that hill…
What’s our excuse?
We too can shrug off some minor issues, instead we let:
A delayed text ruin our mood
A tense meeting hijack our whole day
A minor mistake spiral into self-doubt
Your friend didn’t text back?
They might just be busy. Life happens. You’ll see them soon.
Work stress flaring up?
You still have income. Job security. Stability. Options.
Handle the issue. Don’t let it handle you.
This lesson taught us that if you have goals, don’t let a little head wound stop you!
(although, you should definitely get it checked out)
Even “A” took a fall that same night. Small nosebleed. Quick reset. Back on the board.
Kids don’t carry the glass. 🫗
They fall, assess, adjust and move on.
The beauty of youth: Great perspective instincts
Adults, on the other hand, scoff at the most tedious inconvenience,
Holding onto it for too damn long.
Just take a minute to digest and move on.
Did you have to let it linger?
Don’t look back in anger
Don’t go chasing waterfalls
Ok, enough with the 90’s song references 💿
When times get tough, the tough get going.
Don’t let a stubbed toe domino your entire day.
Temporary discomfort breeds long-term growth. 📈
You’re building a legacy far greater than today’s annoyance.
You’re destined for more than a stupid setback.
Set the glass down and climb that hill again.
We believe in you. 💪🏻
