….and the thoughts it evoked in me…

I’d turned on the radio, and was immediately drawn into an interview between the presenter and a Priest. The discussion was interesting, – however it was the discussion in my mind that followed, that inspired me to write, and to think about the interesting moral within the story, and its relationship to confidence. 

The book I know well from having children of my own, however what I didn’t appreciate upon first reading this book, was the message of confidence, and overcoming obstacles that is all woven into the learning. 

“The book, which was adapted from an American folk song, is a worldwide bestseller, written by Micheal Rosen. He writes with infamous repetitive language, to help children with many different aspects of learning and development. 

“We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. What a beautiful day!  We’re not scared. Uh-uh!    

 Grass! Long wavy grass. We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. Oh no! We’ve got to go through it!”

The last sentence is where the message lies- in that every situation the children face- they decide to accept the challenge and find a way to overcome any obstacles. As they travel, they chant  “we can’t go over it, we can’t go under it”, – and so, – they have to go through it.  

Therein lies the life lesson. Understanding this from such a young age- (that life will throw its obstacles), and that we are capable of turning some of them into an adventure, or just a learning opportunity, is such a valuable life lesson. 

I wonder how this mindset as a child might have helped with my own confidence? 

A lesson that I teach at any age- is that there is no age limit to work on this part of our character.  

Life can throw a situation your way that makes you have to stand up and face a situation that fills you with fear and dread. Maybe that’s your indicator to delve into the issues that surround your confidence issues. 

It’s never too late. 

Try to remember the main hook in this story, when you are faced with challenges.  “You’ve got to go through it”.  

Confidence comes from all sorts of experiences, one of those being facing your fears, overcoming obstacles and dealing with uncomfortable situations. Being able to understand the process that can help you to achieve this, and later being able to sit back and feel that you have   conquered and accomplished something is fulfilling to say the very least. Developing resilience and addressing a situation that you could have easily avoided and could hold you back, for many reasons, is also extremely satisfying, and confidence building indeed.