Random Thoughts // We Are Stronger Than We Think
Someone once told me this: At the circus, a baby elephant is chained around its leg and the other end of the chain is tied to a metal stake on the ground. The chain and peg are strong enough for the baby elephant. As the baby elephant grows bigger and becomes an adult, it still believes that a simple chain and peg can stop him from running. Even though, the truth is, the elephant is strong enough to break and run free from the chain.
This story taught me a lot – how we chain ourselves to our parent’s believes, our own believes, and even other people’s believes. I recently read a book of an author’s memoir about an Italy road trip he did. It fascinated me! But someone said to me, “Don’t even think about it, you have a kid now and there’s no way you can do such a thing.” Now, I can either believe in what that person said and give up the thought or I can believe in myself that, even with a kid, I can do it.
The story is also a great reminder to myself, as a parent, that what I believe in doesn’t necessarily has to be my daughter’s. Other than teaching her right or wrong, I do my best to let her explore and experience life the way she wants. I wish she can always stay true to herself as she’s growing up.
*image source: by Bonnie Tsang with iPhone and Instagram
I love this post, Bonnie. It echoes really well some things I’ve been pushing around in my mind lately, especially after reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Lots of good things to think about, namely the attitude our society has towards women doing things alone. We’re raised in this culture of “don’t do that alone, you’re weak, you can’t defend yourself, this might happen to you” but that doesn’t have to be our belief just because we’ve been taught that.
Beautifully put. Reminds me of something Goldie Hawn recently said: http://www.luvandkiwi.com/2012/05/happy-mothers-day.html
So SO true. You can do anything you want to do, and I hate that so many people think that a parent’s life has to be “over” once they have kids. Your daughter will only benefit from having a mother who believes in herself and her abilities. xoxo
Love this!! Like Anni I am also reading Wild as well. Some of the same thoughts going on in my mind too. I hope to have a better relationship with my toddler girl that I do with my own mother. My mother who has suffered from mental illness can take a toll on a relationship. It is a constant struggle to make it better everyday. Thanks for the story!
lovely thoughts which are so important for our children and the children still in us – thank you Bonnie
Louisa
This is so true! I would love to read that book, what’s the title?
Hey, my mom and I drove across the country when I was 7! People told her she was nuts, but she did it and it’s one of the most awesome memories of my life! I love your thoughts on parenting. You’re so right that allowing them to find their own beliefs is paramount.
You can do it! My friend backpacks with his little ones all over europe all the time! http://blog.careynash.com/2011/03/21/bosnia-backpacking-with-children/
Oh bonnie, this is my first time to your blog. And this was piece touched me. We are not shackled. Wonderful story.
Road trip with your Miss V would be so awesome….
She is growing up to be such a beautiful little lady.
Ronnie xo
really nice story, thanks for sharing
Thank you for this. I needed it today.
Take that trip, your daughter will be grateful to you. There’s nothing more important than exposing children to new experiences.
I just discovered your blog. Hi! :)
Kids are more resiliant than we think. My family moved to Texas for a year when I was 10 & it was one of the best years of my life! My friend from Germany travelled around Australia for 5 months with her 4 year old & her child learnt to speak English during that time & had a blast. Go for the trip. Your daughter will thank you xx
this is great! i love it! thanks for sharing! don’t ever think you cannot do something you really want to do. i have the same problem sometimes, that i just don’t believe enough in myself and my strengh. nice to know other people have the same worries and try to beat them…
Damn straight, girl. Believe what you want! I love this post! This person who told you that you could never travel now that you have a kid, isn’t you. And THEY have probably never done this trip, but they know for certain that You can’t go…? Be your own adventure-master! Live your parent-life the way you’d like to live it! and it will be awesome! :)