Even Jordan gets nervous in new situations
I had mentioned earlier this week that Jordan was jumping into cross country. She jumped into all kinds of running events in the last year and wants to join in on kid triathlons next year. I’m really excited for her because she’s turning into a great runner and cross country is a fun way to get more involved. What took me off guard was her nervousness during our first evening practice. I don’t know why I am not more prepared. (She started off with some nervousness when she tried basketball for the first time earlier this year.)
When we got to practice, there were kids and parents sitting around listening to the coach speak about the season. Jordan looked all around and realized she didn’t know a single kid in the group. She often relies on friends to back her up when she deals with a ton of questions all at once. It is most certainly her confidence safety zone. Sending her off to her first run with the group led to her asking me to tell the coach she was nervous… And of course, the coach knew everything would be fine. Jordan just felt better having me speak up. My super independent kid still needs a little mom back-up. I appreciate that.
By the end of the first practice, Jordan says she made one friend who knows someone else with a limb difference and another girl who “might be a friend soon.” She’s opening up to a whole new circle of kids. It’s pretty awesome.
How do you overcome feeling nervous. Do you think you have tips that can help other kids and adults? I’d love to hear what others do to break out of the norm.
I was super dooper nervous last week when I spoke at a TEDx event. I kind of hit a point where I had to just let it go, realize I may not be perfect and just do my best. I had a personal pep talk, paced around a little and focused on my breathing. In the end, I had a lot of fun and I hope I’m a little more relaxed the next time I do a big talk like that.
I would like to know how other’s handle all the questions ans staring. It would sure help me as a parent. My son is missing his right lower arm he is 7 months old.
Jamie, I’ve always considered dealing with staring as a process. I hope this post offers some insight: http://www.bornjustright.org/2012/10/flashback-friday-taking-risks/
Dealing with questions is also a life-long process. I recently shared a post where many different people shared how they manage all kinds of different questions about limb differences: http://www.bornjustright.org/2014/08/how-to-respond-to-difficult-questions/