My daughter and I were on our way home from her first violin lesson the other night when I told her that if she didn’t like playing the violin that it’s OK, but that she should at least give it a chance. My goal was to teach her to never give up. If she doesn’t end up liking the violin, she might end up liking another instrument or even another art form. What’s important is that she continues to try new things. She’s only 7 and I want her to know that there’s a world of possibilities out there.
When I was young, my parents signed me up for what seemed like everything. I played baseball, soccer, hockey and I was also a Boy Scout. I don’t remember asking to join anything, so they must have thought it was good for me. I never ended up finishing a season of baseball, I skipped plenty of soccer games, I’m pretty sure I was kicked off the hockey team and Boy Scouts was the same story. I just didn’t care. I was too young and the only thing that held my interest was TV.
Looking back on those days I can understand how young kids can ditch something they’re not interested in, but I don’t remember my parents ever telling me to never give up. I’ve seen the butterfly effect in my life and how never sticking with something has affected areas of my life and I don’t want the same thing to happen to my kids.
Most of what I’ve said so far fits perfectly with our Appalachian Trail Adventure. You shouldn’t be afraid to try new things and once you’ve found the thing you enjoy, never give up on it. If BEYOND LIMITS is about anything it’s about experiencing life to the fullest. Our adventure might be the reason you were put on this earth and the only way for you to find out is to fill out our volunteer form and give us a shot. Don’t be afraid. We’re all in this together.