Friday, June 29, 2012

I dare you


It's time for some challenge.

I've noticed that I've been more hermit-like in the past months, keeping at home to avoid the struggle and embarrassment that is going out with an unpredictable child. I haven't taken Soren to the grocery store in a year (yay Amazon Fresh delivery); I do errands when Soren is at school or in therapy; I know where all the drive-through Starbucks are.

For our boy, stores can be overwhelming, with new sounds, sights, and people. And oh, the wide open spaces! Soren just can't pass up an opportunity to run--away. I've had more than one episode of chasing Soren through the pharmacy just in time to prevent him from running out the front door. Scary stuff.

Can you guess whose challenges these are?
  • One of us feels especially embarrassed by standing out in public
  • One of us hates to have his hands held
  • One of us likes to lie down in stores as a way of regaining some control
  • One of us is fine with screaming in public when encountering new situations
  • One of us is too big to fit in grocery carts (okay, make that two of us)
  • One of us needs to be bribed with a drink to get through a quick errand (again, perhaps that's two of us)
  • One of us is feeling increased guilt about not living life in the open
So, this is the summer. The summer that Soren and I will bite the bullet and do the hard things that make us part of a community. We have a right to be out and visible in our neighborhood and city. Even if we stand out. Even if we feel awkward. Even if we need to practice this getting-out skill.

So here's a short list of our challenge targets. I'd like to tackle at least one a week.
  • Coffee shop
  • Grocery store
  • Ferry trip
  • Water playground in north Seattle
  • U-pick berry farm
  • Farmers' market
  • Ice cream place
  • Neighborhood dive bar (just checking to see if you're still awake)
What about you? Can you think of a summer adventure that will require some bravery, some confidence on your part? I'd love some compatriots on this journey.

Onward!



5 comments:

  1. I always like seeing that you have posted! Can I add a special adventure for YOU first? "Driving to Boise with Soren"!!!

    The thing that'd require bravery where my kids are concerned? putting on a bathing suit to swim with them on a regular basis

    The thing that'd require bravery of me, generally? Working out at the downtown YMCA where all the attorneys (including 3 from my work) also work out, as well as pretty much everyone else in town. Getting there is plenty challenge enough, but I'm petrified of having sweaty small talk with a colleague. OMG.

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  2. Mine would be wearing the bikini that I used to wear -- now I have an intractable gut and stretch marks!

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  3. Well certainly anything having to do with putting on a bathing suite, but another act of bravery for me is participating in a sporting activity: tennis (it's been 10 years), water skiing (forget it), golf (I just say I don't like it), even biking because I haven't been on my bike since last summer. I think I'll take a deep breath and start with the bike.

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  4. Jenny- You don't *officially* know me, but I'm a friend of the other Jenny B. I've heard lots of great things about Mr. Soren.

    I have to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. Your insight is incredible, your transparency inspiring. One of my most favorite cousins has autistic tendencies and I can hear my aunt's voice in your stories.

    Thanks for sharing all you do. Sounds to me like you are one fantastic mama!

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    Replies
    1. Lindsay, thanks for your kind words. It really is a small world when it comes to parenting, isn't it? Hopefully we'll connect in real life soon.

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