Storytime!

Story Time: No More Excuses

Y’all know that I LOVE to push myself outside my comfort zone.

My strength training journey has taught me both the power of building healthy habits and pushing through my conceived limits.

Last week, my 2024 list of goals almost got the best of me… almost.

My list of goals for the new year was to attend more professional development and networking events for outdoor educators.

Events… People…. These are major barriers for me. (Does this surprise you?)

I am naturally very introverted, and would rather be silent in my information consumption and reflection. It’s hard for me to engage in small talk because frankly, I’d rather get to the heart of the discussion and tackle big ideas.

Three days before the new year, I signed up for an event for Outdoor Educators in the early weeks of January. I was drawn to it and did not think twice about signing up.

On the eve of the event, I felt the nervousness set in. I became worried about going to a new place, worrying about not being able to make “meaningful small talk” (what does that even mean?), and presenting myself as a professional founder and director of a fledgling program in my area of the state.

I talked myself out of going that night, chalking it up to the cost of fuel, return on investment, consumption of precious work time, lack of preparedness, etc. But the truth is that I actively tried to sabotage myself from experiencing an opportunity to learn and grow.

Here’s the catch.

The desire to spread my message, and push for nature and play-based practices to be more present in our education system is bigger than my fears. 

When we feel that wave of discomfort, it is not a red flag but rather a signal from our inner high achiever to MOVE forward and take this opportunity to learn, grow, and expand in our practice.

On the long car ride to the event, I unpacked all the garbage excuses I had made. I reminded myself that I can do hard things. I told myself (literally out loud) that I am strong and capable of things far beyond the scope of my imagination.

Today, I invite you to consult your 2024 list of goals and meet your inner excuse factory with a fierce advocate. Advocate for yourself the same way you do for all things play-based. That wonderful, beautiful child you fight for, lives in YOU every single day.

Always beside you,

Ade