power of risk
My mother gave me space and was never afraid that I would get into trouble. She trusted me. But when I turned twenty, that trust seemed to disappear. My father trusted me, too, but he focused mainly on himself and showed little interest in me.
So why do I avoid risks? Sometimes, it’s wise: when you encounter a dangerous group on the street, don’t have enough time and decide not to change your text, or stay quiet because you don’t know the group yet. But to grow, you have to be willing to take risks. I did that as a teenager. I wanted to become mature and wise, and I succeeded. I have experienced enough to say that, and I survived it all. It was more than I would want my children to go through, but now they see me as a role model. That feels like a great compliment, as I didn’t see my mother that way back then.
Although I had no ambition in nature education like my mother, she did help me face life. I pulled myself out of difficult situations when she was not around; she started a job teaching biology in high school when I was four years old. Though she worked hard to organize the house, it was messy, and she always kept running to do everything: organize, do the cooking (see for an article about her cooking: https://www.parool.nl/nieuws/thuiseten-alles-behalve-vlees~bb704490/), write long letters, drive the car, inspire us, take us out and study nature. Where I grew up, life was often fun but also frequently challenging. My mother trusted that I would eventually manage, even before I believed it myself. People like that are invaluable.
Other people who have helped me include my brothers, my rowing coaches, various art teachers, my children, my friends, and last but not least, my husband.
Are you scared of being the butt of the joke? Give it a shot, and share your hilarious adventures with me!
Vastberaden verder!