Watch and Learn...

A common adage - though perhaps often too used...

It's typically a parent to child thing...

An attempt to pass on generational wisdom...

Although it's not always delivered well, received well, nor fully appreciated by a young observer...

But I do believe it's an idea which can --- and should --- be reversed! 

There's much we adults can glean from watching children. Whether they're 2 months, 12 years or 42 years old.  But one must pay close attention and have a desire to learn! 

So here is today's "watch and learn"...taught by Caleb, our 9 month old perfect grandson, who I might add, is much like our perfect granddaughter Arden!

Now Caleb's momma requested no social media exposure when he was born waaaay back 9 months ago. 

But she's not the boss of me!!!

So here's a picture introducing the young adventurer, all fastened in and ready to travel from a recent road trips!

The Overcomer

Right now, young Caleb is learning to pull himself erect.

To stand! 

He's doesn't understand it, yet he's learning and internalizing the laws of gravity in pursuit of balance.

It's all being done for the ultimate fulfillment of his strategic goal which he does understand...to become Master Of The Universe!

Though now only an accomplished crawler, he will not just learn to balance and then walk...but he will RUN!  Mastering all of it - in the next 60 days! 

Mark it down, Caleb will be running after Rudolph and The Great Bumble by Christmas!!!

It's enjoyable to watch as he's engaged in extreme focused concentration as he learns to stand.

You can easily see the concentration in his face, the pursed mouth, the sharpness in his eyes, the determination as he processes every wobble and shake.

He's not conscious of it, of building up his muscles and training his body, as he learns to master gravity to simply stand.

He's achieved what we all forgot how to do - Caleb is living in the moment.

He's tuned into his body, feeling for feedback, he's unconsciously learning which muscles are needed to achieve balance, which neurons to trigger for the subtle adjustments needed...and he doesn't even know he's doing it.

He may appear to be just reaching out for the next handhold, but he's actually striving with determined focus towards his goal - to stand...to be free.

And maybe there's another thing to learn from young Caleb...

He's absolutely NOT thinking about anyone who may be watching him.  He cares not whether anyone is judging or thinking critical thoughts of his efforts!

When he does look around, his whole face brightens into the most heart warming smile if he catches you watching --- but --- he cares nothing about what you might be thinking regarding his last wobble!

So what can we aged, wise adults, so full of wisdom learn from watching Caleb?

It might be that WE should become more Caleb like...

Consider...

How much importance do you place on the acceptance of others?

How does fear of other's judgment inhibit or limit your actions?

Are you free with your comments which align with your beliefs, or are they "adjusted" based on the audience?

Are you embarrassed or holding back on the pursuit of your dreams and goals?

Do I look OK?  Is my hair alright?

Should I go introduce myself to that person?

Should I even nod to acknowledge that stranger?

What will they think of me?

Caleb does not carry any of those concerns within him!

We still have so many unattempted adventures to experience.  We have so many goals and dreams that we push still farther out to the distant horizon.

There are still dragons to slay...treasures to be found...universes to explore...fears to conquer...and simple daily lives to live unafraid.

Each can be accomplished using Caleb's mission to stand! 

Focus and Forget!

FOCUS intently on your dreams, your goals, your plans for tomorrow...

FOCUS and pursue what needs to be done next to stand...to walk...to run...to be master of your own universe!

FORGET about "the others", "the judgers", "the they" who don't really matter.

FORGET about how silly you may look as you wobble towards your goal.

FORGET all fears of failing...

Stand...Walk...Run...Be Free!

Let the adventure --- for everyone --- continue...