Do we become scaredy-cats as we get older?

Last week at a local playground I went down a 2m slide with my 14-month-old bub Malia. I shrieked with fear and Malia cackled with glee. And I wondered, “When did I become so scared of the thrill?” 🤔

As a child and teen, I luuved amusement park rides. Twirling rollercoasters, plummeting towers of terror, pukey spinners - I couldn’t get enough!

I wouldn’t say I was a constant daredevil, but in my twenties I went skydiving, flew a plane, and changed careers 4 times!

In my thirties, I did the odd parasailing, ziplining, snowboarding and lived overseas.

In my forties…? Well, I’m going to say my roller skating classes count! But since having a baby, with the constant baby-carrying, and body aches and twinges that come with that, I’ve been too afraid to put the skates back on. Or any buckles or straps that come with adrenaline-rush activities for that matter!

My scared, survival-mode brain yells:

-😳 What if you hurt yourself a bit? You don’t cope well with pain.

-😳 What if you injure yourself badly? How on earth will you do basic parent duties with a broken whatsis?

-😳 Isn’t it selfish to risk getting injured for a bit of a thrill?

But watching my bub’s curiosity, excitement and even nonchalance with new experiences like swings and shoulder-rides, I may have a thrill-seeker on my hands.

So maybe Malia will bring out the thrill-seeker in me again?

I want to role-model being adventurous, moving through fear and grabbing life by the horns! So firstly, roller skates - here I come, eek! And I’m excited to find out what other exciting activities are in store for the future!

I’d love to hear if your child has brought out the thrill-seeker in you? 😃

💞 Easing Anxiety Together 💞