Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Breaking Out of My Shell

Yesterday was a fabulous spring day. I'm not for certain, but I'm pretty sure the temperatures were pushing 80 and of course Ethan and I made sure to enjoy it. We headed out to the neighborhood park trail where a routine walk and stroll turned into something a little more.




This particular trail parallels a river that Ethan is fascinated with. I'm not lying when I tell you it took us at least 30 minutes to cross a very small bridge because Ethan was so enamored with running from one side to the other to check out the rushing river below. 


As we walked on, I was determined for him to experience the river itself. I very fondly remember splashing in creeks, making mud pies and collecting muscle shells. I want to pass on all of these childhood memories so badly to Ethan that I probably introduce them a little sooner than I should. We weren't dressed for river wading yesterday, but I didn't care. I couldn't fight the urge. So, I left the stroller on the side of the trail, walked carefully down to a shallow part of the river, kicked off my shoes and we got in! 




I've always been somewhat of a reserved person. I wouldn't be what you would call a fun-loving girl or maybe not even a go with the flow type of girl. I've always been the sensible one. The realist you might say. I'm the girl in the "make a crazy face!" picture that is still smiling her normal smile. 


Under all of my..."I'm too responsible of a person to join in on that" attitude, I'm super self conscious. I'm concerned with what other people might think about me. I curse myself for saying or doing the wrong thing. I over analyze situations that no one will probably ever even remember. I'm easily embarrassed and  have sat on the sidelines maybe more than I should have throughout my life in fear that I would look like an idiot for trying whatever crazy idea other people were doing.


It's funny how having a child can change you. People always say it will, but you never really know just exactly how. I'm determined to not pass my uber self-conscious traits onto Ethan. I'll pass a few on I'm sure. That's okay, a little self awareness does a person good. Showing strangers his belly button won't be cute forever and when the time comes, I'll be sure to let him know.




Ethan is a happy-go-lucky child who doesn't mind blazing his own trails. He's an explorer. He's a socialite. He's not afraid to express himself. I certainly don't want to stifle any of those amazing qualities in anyway.




I have to thank Ethan for bringing me out of my shell a bit. When it comes to him having fun, I really could care less about how it makes me look. In fact, I'm so wrapped up in the fun that I don't even feel the least bit self conscious. I know as parents we are suppose to be the ones doing all the raising, but I can't help but admit that Ethan might be doing a little raising too in the process. After all, there's always room to grow, no matter the age. 





13 comments :

  1. Love the last pic! He looks like such a boy---not a baby anymore :)

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  2. Love these pics.
    I, too, am loving this warm weather!

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  3. Love this post! And the pictures are amazing!

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  4. This is an awesome post! I'm very much like you in the sense that I care too much about what other people think of me... But, when it comes to Olivia and having fun, I could care less! It's amazing how much our children teach us.

    Good for you! I bet E enjoyed that so much!

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  5. We are like the same people I swear! I'm glad you two had fun:)

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  6. These photos are beautiful Laura! I have the exact same personality. Always the one just smiling in the whacky photos haha, I love that you said that! Good for you for breaking out of that shell. It feels nice doesn't it?!

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  7. This is so sweet. I'm the same way, and I really need to work on that.

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  8. Love this post! Funny how kids can grow us in ways we never thought possible

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  9. So sweet! Boys sure do know how to have fun

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  10. Love the pictures, love this post, and the more I read your blog the more alike I realize we are. I too am usually the last one to join and don't make the crazy face because I am sure that I will somehow look like the idiot among all the crazy face makes that make it look cool.

    I care less now that I have Layla and I don't want her to this self-conscious side of me.

    Looks like you two had a blast!

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  11. Hello. I'm Grace and it's my first time posting. You've got a very cute boy. I can relate on how you used to be before having your baby. I'm still very much reserved that's just the way I am but I also do embrace my childrens qualities.
    How old is your little guy? Mine turned 15 months old several days ago.

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  12. This post just makes me unbelievably happy AND makes me stop for a moment and think about grabbing those spontaneous activities that sometimes I'm much too practical to embrace.

    Looks like E loved it too!

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