These Boots Are Made For Walkin'
2004
Two strong legs, grounded like tree trunks in the ground. Hundreds of times, he practiced going from the floor into his standing position. Hundreds of times, he fell back to the floor. As many, if not more times, he contemplated lifting a foot and placing it in front of him to go toward where he desired.
His days were full of putting things in his mouth, pulling things down, tossing stuff out of the way he no longer needed, and looking to me for affirmation of his decisions.
Books, baths, beaches, blocks, and bubbles were part of his routine. I'll even go a bit further and say breasts. Due to the WHO position on the benefits of breastfeeding for children at risk of developing diabetes, he would receive my breastmilk for the first two years of his life.
On December 27, 2004 he landed the first step, and then the next and the next. Four days shy of his first birthday, right on schedule. Walk at one, talk at two as they say.
He was ready when he took those first steps. If he weren't, he wouldn't have taken them. Little kids have a lot to teach us if we are willing to observe. He didn't need a personal trainer; he didn't need a training plan; he didn't need stickers on a star chart to keep him on track. He didn't need the latest technology, the right clothes, or the partner providing support in the right way.
He did what new beings do very well; he allowed, without barriers, without resistance, what felt right to do. He kept on. That motivation came from a place inside himself.
I am not saying in any way that personal trainers, coaches, a solid training plan, and star charts don't have a purpose, because they do. Those supports aren't why or why not you are on track with what you desire. You are.
A one-year-old doesn't know doubt, though he will learn it. A one-year-old doesn't justify his reasoning, though he becomes a masterful negotiator. A one-year-old doesn't ruminate around the barriers, though he will struggle with this epigenetic attribute over time, especially once in the traditional school environment.
In the moments leading up to those first few steps, he felt in control to do what he desired, safe and attached to those in his environment, and most importantly, he felt able to continue to build the skill.
Self-determination theory suggests that people are motivated to grow and change by these three innate and universal psychological needs; autonomy, connection, and competence.
Diabetes management and the motivation to behave in a way that best serves one's desires is chaotic. It has doubt, shame, blame, judgment, justification, and defensiveness. The moments are many that an individual and family living with diabetes find challenge around motivation.
Watching my son grow and develop that year reminded me how simple life could be if we allow it. When my capacity is high, life slows, and that perspective is a gift.
As a health coach, I work alongside my clients to get back to simple. We begin with what it is they desire. It is a process to peel away the layers of resistance and begin to allow the momentum to grow toward what they want.
Are you allowing those first few steps too manifest toward what you want? Do you struggle with old patterns, limiting perspectives, and unmet goals?
Curious? Contact me.
Most importantly, remember, your boots are made for walkin'.
terra@betweendiabetes.com
And because we all have a journey... GO SHAKE IT