Growth Mindset

Each of us have had the opportunity to step outside our comfort zones or really push ourselves on this sabbatical. There have been moments of disappointment, fear and tears shed. There have been moments of pure joy, laughter and peace. And often all of those in the same time or event. We have all grown more in these gifted 4 months than likely we have in several years.

This time has been a real practice in growth mindset. A mindset that helps us all be better persons. But wholly molly! Sometimes it is so much harder than we ever imagine and sometimes what was thought to be difficult or scary comes with enlightenment.

Thank goodness that camp gave us practice. Each time we have hit a cross road we can imagine what it feels like to be a camper for the first time getting ready to jumping off the tower…it is so hard, your mind plays tricks until finally you do it and you come up after so proud of yourself and looking for more!

Seth and Steph parenting in another country was a challenge and huge opportunity. We had to question when we allowed our kids freedom and independence without us (although we do this at home it was just one more level in a country of unknown hazards). We had to help our kids navigate friendships in another language and culture. We had to learn more about the norms in Chile when our 13 year old was invited for a co-ed sleep over in which they stay up almost all night. We had to hold our selves back from asking 1000 questions about what they said and what they did (constantly wanting to shape the experience).

Lost in translation and or chilean timing we missed sports practices, ferries, and meet ups. We ordered food we did not know or want. We went on a lot of bumpy dangerous roads in a variety of vehicles. We missed the correct trails and hiked miles in a muddy mess. The list goes on.

We pushed ourselves.

We rafted the petrohue and Steph did not open her eyes the whole time while Tobin was asking for more!

Seth competed in an ultra-race on Volcan Osorno and he learned great patience on our trip as most casual outings do not run on a clock.

Tobin stopped on his bike ride home at the cake store without parents and bought treats (big deal for Tobin and his navigating Spanish and paying the right amount of money) and he went to weekly sailing lessons in Spanish (of which they called him the wrong name till he got up the language and courage to tell them and us).

Noah did a presentation in Spanish on the topic of love (now if that is not outside the comfort zone of a 13 yo boy we are not sure what is) and he played goalie on a soccer team (after the first practice saying wow this is harder to communicate).

It is evident that growth happens on all levels when we allow ourselves to take a leap of faith, be vulnerable and see what happens.