Trying New Things

David started ice skating lessons last week. I'm not even sure how he got interested, but one day he told us he wanted to learn how to skate. Unfortunately, neither Bernie nor I know how so he was rather out of luck. I saw an ad in the paper a couple weeks ago for lessons for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 at a local rink. I asked him if he still wanted to learn and he gave an enthusiastic "yes!"

I didn't know how it would go. David often gets very frustrated when he can't do something as well as he might like to. He doesn't have much in the way of balance (a trait he inherited from his mother) and thusfar hasn't exhibited any great signs of athletic ability. I really thought after a few times falling on his bottom he'd be ready to call it quits. Sure enough, last week, he couldn't even stay standing. His teacher was very kind and understanding, however, and David said he had a good time and wanted to come back this week.

This week, that kind teacher had a doctor's appointment, and her replacement, while certainly well-meaning had more in common with a drill sargeant than a pre-school teacher! The other kids seemed to catch on pretty quickly, but every time David fell down, she told him he was doing it on purpose. I felt so bad for the little boy. I wanted to cry sitting out in the stands with Isaac! On the plus side, at the very end of the lesson, she was able to get him standing for just a couple seconds and he slid his feet a little bit - enough to say that he actually skated!

When he got off the ice, he said that he hoped his other teacher would be back next week, but he said that he still liked skating. I'm so proud of him, for trying and for sticking with it. He knows that he is not doing as well as the others but he is enjoying himself and that is what matters. He says everyone falls down sometimes and that he is getting better!

Yes, it is hard to try new things, even when you are only four years old. Harder still when you are 30, or 40, or more. It is worth it, however, because trying new things gives us energy. It may be frustrating at first but once you learn a little bit you have a great sense of accomplishment. So, in this new year, try something new! You may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.