On Saturday morning, I was outside, in our cul-de-sace, teaching my son to ride his bike. He strapped on his helmet, and flashed me a nervous smile. I said "You can do it, son." "I'll be right here holding on to you." I started off holding on to his waste and helping push a little to start the momentum. He was trying to steer, but kept aiming the steering wheel right for the curb. We tried again and again, he started to gain his confidence, so I let go a little. After about 5 minutes, I was holding on to the back of his shirt, steadying his balance.
He gained more confidence and said, "Mom, I can do this." At that very second we heard LOUD, BARKING dogs coming from one of the houses on the street, behind a fence. He lost his confidence and started to falter.
In a calm voice, I said, "Son, don't get distracted by the barking dogs in life, get focused on the task at hand." I repeated that about 3X's before he was able to block out the sound and stay focused.
His balance grew more steady; his confidence level climbed and he was riding..that is until his bike's steering mechanism decided to give out, and his ride was over for the day.
However, I thought about what I'd told him, because it directly applied to my life. I often falter when those "barking dogs" in the form of loud, aggressive people come at me. How often have I lost my confidence and just burst out crying, or looked for the nearest hole to climb into. I don't know how to respond; I lock up. I become flustered and flabbergasted...but why? They're simply "barking dogs" with often no teeth to back it up. I know that I'm stronger than what I display; why do I allow them to rattle me?
I hope that next time I run up against those "barking dogs" I take a step back, keep things in perspective, keep my focus and 'steady-on.' Then I will truly know that I've finally conquered those "barking dogs" in my life.
Has it happened to you? How did you handle it?
d.
