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What My 5-Year-Old Taught Me About Fear and Courage
As a parent, one of the biggest hurdles I face is remembering to take a step back and appreciate the small moments with my kids. I’m far from perfect, but I value the lessons my children teach me—both the ups and the downs. Recently, I was chatting with my 5-year-old, Max, about removing the training wheels from his bike so he could ride like a “big kid.”
He hesitated, expressing his fear of riding on two wheels, worried he might fall and hurt himself. In my effort to impart life lessons, I aimed to break things down into bite-sized pieces, believing that learning never stops, no matter how old we are. Transitioning from a stable bike with training wheels to a wobbly two-wheeled machine is daunting for a little one. So, like any well-meaning parent, I told him to toughen up!
We sat together on our sizzling driveway and chuckled about the idea of “sucking it up.” I reassured him that feeling scared about new experiences is totally normal. I explained that throughout life, we’ll encounter situations that push us out of our comfort zones, and that’s how we grow and lead fulfilling lives. Fear is a powerful emotion, and if we let it dictate our choices, embracing change becomes nearly impossible.
Then, in a moment that truly caught me off guard, Max looked straight into my eyes—something he doesn’t usually do. He said, “Dad, you can’t change the world if you’re scared.” I was momentarily speechless, trying to process the wisdom coming from my little guy. I told him he was spot on and that he should always remember those words.
It made me realize how much we adults complicate life. It’s not as hard as we make it out to be; when faced with change, our first reaction often tends to be anxiety or fear. But these feelings are just instincts trying to protect us from harm.
Change is a natural part of life—both in our personal journeys and careers. While not everyone can change the world, letting fear take the wheel guarantees we won’t even get the chance. We need to confront our anxieties head-on and embrace everything life throws at us.
Sure, life can be painful, but that’s part of the adventure. When we tackle it without fear, everything becomes more meaningful. Thanks for the wisdom, Max. Someday, you’ll look back and see how you changed my perspective at just 5 years old.
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Summary
A heartfelt reflection on the lessons learned from a conversation with my 5-year-old son, Max, about fear and courage. His simple yet profound statement about not being able to change the world if you’re scared serves as a reminder that life’s challenges are opportunities for growth. Embracing change, rather than succumbing to fear, is key to leading a fulfilling life.