This photo shows my 5 year-old grandson, Josiah, beaming with pride at his catch of this northern pike while ice fishing with his dad.
Past
Three year-old grandson, Troy, didn’t go ice fishing with his dad and older brother when this fish was caught. He was asked but didn’t want to go.
Last year, when Troy was two, he did accompany his dad, brother, uncle, sister, and other granddad on an ice fishing outing. Things didn’t go so well for Troy that day. He accidentally stepped in one of the ice fishing holes.
He was wearing boots and snow pants but he still got wet. Needless to say, this was a really cold wet as the air temperature was quite cold and the water was frigid as well. He started to cry as the cold began to sink in. For a two-year-old this was a pretty traumatic experience. Grandpa Bruce took him home.
Present
A few days ago I was with Josiah and Troy. It was my first opportunity to ask Josiah about his fish. He was pretty excited as he related to me about the struggle the fish put up before he landed him.
I already knew the answer because I’d heard the story, but I asked Troy why he didn’t go. He put his head down and quietly said, “I didn’t go because I didn’t want to step in a hole again.”
His experience from a year ago has created a fear that history will repeat itself for Troy if he goes ice fishing again.
Future
Courage is required even at three years old. Troy is going to have to face his fear of stepping in a hole again if he ever wants to go ice fishing with his dad and other members of his family.
Troy is blessed to have a great and patient dad. I know eventually he’ll get Troy to go out on the ice with him but it won’t be without some work on that fear of the hole. I hope I’ll have the chance to ice fish with Troy some day and see how much fun he’ll be having because he faced that fear.
Our past experiences can really hold us back and keep us from enjoying life or reaching our goals. Do you have any past, fearful, or even traumatic, experiences that are holding you hostage today? What could your future look like if you had the courage to face that fear?
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
Do you need a speaker for an upcoming event? I’d love to be that guy. You can reach me at dave@cultivatecourage.com or 952-200-7499.
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