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Note to my daughter who might read this one day – I apologize for embarrassing you, but I’m sure by this point we can just call it even.
Last night, my daughter caught us by surprise in announcing that she wanted to be a big girl and sleep without a diaper. She’s been potty trained for a bit now – well, not much training really went into it, to be honest. Like true Myers Briggs “P”‘s, my wife and I had all the best of intentions in trying to do some kind of potty boot camp, but procrastinated for so long that one day my daughter just decided she was ready. This, of course, led to a mad Amazon.com dash to purchase all of the necessary supplies (so glad for Amazon Prime). But until now, we were still keeping her in diapers at night. We hadn’t really discussed when we were going to try and make the total shift so, of course, my daughter once again was the one making the decisions.
One of the constant gifts of parenthood has been how often my daughter has taught me life lessons, and this case is no different. I have to admire how she just decided to forgo the training pants and just go for it. I have not been so bold. As some of you may know, I have experienced a rather significant weight loss over the last few months (almost 50 lbs when all is said and done). My weight has been a challenge for me since I was a little kid, and so I am still in a bit of disbelief and state of self doubt that I will be able to keep the weight off. The best piece of evidence of this is my closet, which is now a museum of clothing that no longer fits. I realized that it might be time to start gathering new items for the wardrobe when a coworker remarked that I looked like a little kid wearing his dad’s sport coat one day. yet, I cannot seem to part with them, no matter how foolish I might look in them now. It’s not out of sentimental value or some attachment (except to maybe a college sweatshirt or two). It’s out of fear of what happens if when I gain the weight back. I’m afraid that if I take off the “training wheels” I might just fall and not be able to get back up.
But so what. There is a good chance that my daughter will have an accident one night, in fact its more than likely. If it happens, we will clean everything up, give her a big hug, remind her that accidents will always happen, and we’ll try again.
Training wheels are convenient. They keep us from failing completely. But, they are also a crutch. They can keep us from taking risks. They can keep us from trying to truly become our better selves. Without the training wheels, we might fall. But with them, we won’t. And we’ll never learn what we could be without them. Failure IS an option, because the picking ourselves back up after we fall down can provide us with some of our most valuable lessons.
So, if my wife is reading this, we can finally clean out the closet this weekend. But don’t think you can take over the extra space.
Always nice to have life lessons from the little ones. And get a tailor to get as many of your good suits taken in rather than buy all completely new. Been there – saved a ton of money.
I have actually tried, but I always wore my clothes baggy to begin with, so they’re actually just too big! Thanks for reading, Niki.
You aren’t gaining that weight back. You are a runner now and possibly a Spartan, Warrior, and/or Tough Mudder by time all is said and done.
Best of luck with not losing the closet space!
Thanks, Joe. But I see those Spartan races the same way I see tattoos. I celebrate them for others, but its not the kind of pain I will ever find enjoyable.
Thanks for this, Chris. I would be lying if it said it did not spark instant reflection for me. “Failure IS an option” and learning from experience is a similar mantra to one that I feel is a stakeholder in my advising philosophy with students. However, to be honest, I find myself not being able to take my own advice quite often. It’s a vice that I am not proud of. Your simple words have reminded me that the imperfection is okay because I get the chance to pick myself back up and learn.
Thanks for reading, Austin! You’re not alone in not doing the best of jobs at taking our own advice. But hey, it’s ok!
Thanks for posting this, Chris! As someone who has also gone through a significant weight loss this year, I share your fear about gaining the weight back. It’s helpful to know there are kindred spirits out there.
Congrats to you as well!! It’s so important for us to remember that has been a real achievement, and to celebrate that.
Thanks for the honest glimpse into a fear that so many of us share. Maybe thats why I refuse to start running… just dont see it lasting and dont think ill like it. Hence my role as photographer for joes races
I have no doubt youll keep it off. I also have no doubt that youll wife will adopt some of that closet space
I definitely NEVER thought I’d like running – and some days I still don’t! But I like the results and try to focus on them instead. Thanks for reading!
This reminds me of the (often Pinned) quote “if you want to do something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.” As much as I advocate for getting outside your comfort zone, I can also rely too heavily on my own training wheels when that change gets too big and scary. As a runner too (there, I said it) I’m beginning to appreciate all of the ‘bad runs’ as well as the awesome ones for what they really are – constant proof to myself that I can do more that I think I can and a celebration of an ability I must not take for granted. I’m grateful for this reminder today, and even more grateful you’ve got such a wise and ambitious daughter who provides you with inspiration for such fantastic posts. Run on my friend, you got this.
Glad you’re identifying as a runner now! (you already were one, though). Thanks for reading!
You will not gain the weight back. You are more dedicated to staying fit and healthy than I have ever seen you; it is inspiring.
P.S. I already bagged up some of your “fat clothes”..was just waiting for you to come around; now we can finally donate them!
P.P.S. I am totally taking over more of the closet….and maybe a drawer.