I was watching my grandson the other day and started thinking about the process of learning to walk. It’s such a great analogy for life. Yes, we must learn to crawl first but even more importantly, we need people in our lives that encourage us to pull up. If we never pull ourselves up, we won’t ever see the possibilities that lie just above our current line of sight.
My grandson just turned one year old and is doing the typical things that babies that age do. He is learning to walk. Of course he started out by scooting across the floor army-style, which then turned into a more traditional crawl on all fours. We have celebrated each small development from sitting up to pulling up. As a grandparent, I believe I have been even more excited about his progress than I was with my own children.
First, he has to have the freedom to crawl around and test out pulling up in order to eventually walk and then run. As parents and grandparents it’s a little scary to let them go. Our instincts are to keep them safe but we mustn’t limit them or they won’t grow and develop into all they are meant to be. Yes, they may fall and get a few bumps and bruises before they perfect their skill but we are here to reassure them, soothe them when they are hurt, and encourage them to keep trying. If we held them down to keep them safe they would become like a sad caged animal. Their spirit would wither.
As adults, we need the people in our lives to allow us the freedom to pull up. If those around us are more comfortable with us staying down, then we are less likely to test out or try something different. We must surround ourselves with people who encourage us to leap and grow. It’s essential to our progress that our loved ones cheer us on, support our growth and even pull us up if we fall. We must choose to spend our time with people who will truly celebrate our achievements and will lovingly give us a boost when we need it. I urge you to take a look at whom you spend your time with and consider whether or not they are pulling you up or holding you down.
If you are hesitating to take a leap of faith, go out on a limb, try that new system, accept that promotion or just put yourself out there even though there is a potential to fail, look around at your inner circle and consider the feedback you get from them. Are they telling you to go for it or cautioning you about taking chances? Surround yourself with those who will encourage you to pull up!
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