I've been looking for something else that her and I both enjoy doing to spend good, quality time together.
I fully support this addiction of hers, haha... So much that I bought her 7200 bands... Yes, 7200!! Almost got all the colors of the rainbow... I don't know who was more excited, Sophia or I, haha!
She's been talking about a particular design for a bracelet, starbust, so I decided that I would surprise her with one for the next time her and I reunited =D
Also made her an inverted fishtail one since she's been making a BUNCH of regular fishtail ones--thought she'd like to see an alternative :)
Been showing her different designs/tutorials on YouTube since Thailand... We were kind of limited there since we didn't have the 1000s upon 1000s of bands as we do now. Also, I think Sophia was just hesitant on trying the new designs since they probably looked more tricky than the novice one that was included in the Rainbow Loom kit. But now that she's done the fishtail ones, she's becoming more and more comfortable with other intricate designs... I'm not surprised but a bit impressed on how quickly she's getting some of the more advanced designs =D
These are just a few of what she's made... she's given some to her friends as well.
This lil gal has so many bracelets now that it fills 1/2 her arm :D SO CUTE!!!!
What's really neat about this whole thing is that she's learning to do the different designs!! Glad that she didn't just get stuck on what she's familiar with. I constantly encourage her to try new things because I know that people tend to get stuck in their comfort zones. Just glad whenever I see she's not afraid to try something different and new! :) Consistently encouraging growth and change is such an important trait to have--not to be stuck living inside comfort zones. As I've said before--all the fun, magic, and colors are outside that zone...
Image via here
The pic above and below also reiterates another significant misconception that I had for many years... the road to success (whatever that may be to the reader) doesn't come without its fails and plenty of mistakes...
Image via here
It's true... sometimes I had to take a step back to be able to take 2 steps forward. (I know, totally cliche, but it's so true!!) I use to be so afraid terrified to make a decision in case it would result in a mistake, that I ended up not taking any action at all... which ultimately is a decision in itself--to remain exactly where I am, not backwards and definitely not forward. Who wants to live a life in the same spot forever? Without any growth? While all those around you are zooming on by. Yeah, I could be "safe," but that's boring, unfulfilling, colorless, and would just suck any joy and hinder any chance at happiness. Wow! What was I thinking back then???
With all this talk about comfort zones and willingness to face the unfamiliar, I would never suggest to Sophia to blindly jump off without some caution. Nor am I ever suggesting to do harmful things/acts towards others or herself (ie drugs). I'm just merely saying that when Sophia is fearful or hesitant of doing something, she should use that as a compass to guide her to where she should go next--start planning and do it, girl! =)
As I'm sitting here and thinking about some of my life choices, it may not have been the most pleasant or pain-free, but I can definitely look at my current situation and know that without those struggles, I wouldn't have accomplished all that I have so far... and it's only the tip of the iceberg! Till the day I die, I will continue to blunder and react when I shouldn't (because, like you, I am human); but just as much as I am confident of my future mistakes, I am just as confident that I will learn, gain, and grow from those times. Of course, there will be certain situations that present themselves unpleasantly (sigh), but it is still up to us how we're going to handle the ugliness--I can either waste time blaming everybody and everything that may have caused it, or I can use that same amount of time and energy towards making things better... um, I'll go with the latter.
Image via here
All the things I wish I was taught at a younger age, hopefully I can pass that onto my wee one... Give her hindsight to save her some time and she can be ahead of the game :) BUT as a former little rebellious troublemaker (as I'm sure most of you can relate), I know that kiddies aren't always going to listen... but I'm hoping and crossing my fingers, toes, and eyes that Sophia pick up a tidbit here and there... not holding my breath, though, haha...
This post definitely turned out way different than my initial intention (haha)... but that's why I love writing--never know where I might end up =)
Till the next time...
