Wednesday, April 13, 2011

"I Got This"

"I Got This".  I hear this simple three word statement from Alex hourly.  Hes been saying it for awhile now.  Its usually in reference to whatever he is doing.....and a resulting comment of me wanting to "help" him do whatever it is he is doing.  As in getting dressed...underwear on backwards. Me: "Alex its on backwards. Let me fix it."  Alex: "No. I got this".  Putting on shoes, I got this. Riding Landons scooter and falling numerous times, I got this. Turning on water in bathroom sink that is 2 feet too high for him, I got this. Putting bike helmet on.....after two months of "I got this" he just recently "got it" this week.  But thats just it.  He never gives up, and he does eventually get it.  His tenacity amazes me.  I didn't realize how much so until the rare moment I was watching(ok half listening) to the Today Show this morning and Katey Couric was discussing interviews she had done recently with people and what drives those individuals.  I hear her say that Matthew McConaughey's dad always told Matthew to never say "I cant".  But yet to say "I'm having trouble with this right now."  Which leaves room for it to be fixed, or changed, or conquered, or just DONE. Alex also says this....daily.  "Mom, I'm having a little trouble here."  This is usually said after 100 attempts of "I got this" and he realizes he needs assistance.  But very rarely do I hear I cant.  Yesterday for example he was playing on the pbs kids site.  He couldn't get it to work.  I watched him struggle for 10 minutes, and then finally said "Mom...I'm having  a little trouble over here."   Its the funnies thing I have ever heard coming from a 4yo...and the best thing.  So I thought I would take some of his attitude and apply it to my life.  We all have ups and downs, peaks and valleys.  I'm still struggling with this crazy head issue, but have found myself pushing forward and going to the gym regularly anyway.  When I don't want to.  And just doing it.  Hernia still there(yep...note to self not to do heavy squats when you have a hernia...you will result in looking like an alien is leaving your tummy when done. Not. Attractive.)  Just noticing beautiful happy days.  Not lamenting about what is past, what I don't have or what I CANT do but what I CAN.  In every aspect of my life. Kids, marriage, working from home or in the home. Taking a piece of Alex's wisdom is perfect. I notice he doesn't really feel stressed, or get upset-much. (I will provide a disclaimer here that his brother does not take this same attitude and is quick to get frustrated and say I cant.  Getting him to Alex's point is a whole other ball game! :)  He just does his thing.  And learns.  And usually gets whatever he is doing. Eventually.  Amazing what our little ones can teach us.  They are so wise without trying to be. So open. And knowing.  It would behove many of us to quietly listen.  And Learn.  So I guess I have a new mantra. And I may periodically have a few "I'm having  a little trouble over here(s)."  But otherwise...bring it.  Cause guess what? "I got this". :)