Today was supposed to go different. I was taking my youngest son fishing by himself. For the first time in the boat. Heās been really scared to be on the water because he doesnāt like how the boat rocks, so this was a HUGE day for himā¦. And we stopped to get some minnows⦠he was so excitedā¦. He went over to pick out his favorite candy, then got SOOOO excited about the fillet knives he started looking at them⦠I told him not to, but he made the choice to try it anywaysā¦. And in 1 second had sliced his finger to the bone⦠In that second I had two choices. 1. Berate him for being STUPID, and make him feel unloved, unworthy, and and emotionally distant⦠2. Or I could quickly stop the blood, comfort him, tell him how proud I am of him, and we could go to the ERā¦. Your kids need the second adult to show up. He already beat himself up for ābeing stupidā and āmaking a mistakeā And āruining our dayāā¦. He didnāt need me to make Him feel bad to fuel My own selfish indignationā¦.he knew he made a mistake⦠and the fact we are in the ER instead of fishing was āconsequenceā enough⦠I wouldnāt dream of piling it on himā¦. But we do that to ourselves ALL THE TIME!!!! How many times do we mentally and emotionally flog ourselves for āstupid decisionsā and āmistakesā and things in life we wish we could take backā¦.. Iāve done it. Youāve done itā¦. And thatās whatās keeping you stuck. You second guess every decision because itās ānot rightā or āwrongāā¦. And you donāt even get started!!!! You count yourself out before you take the first stepsā¦. STOP IT!!!!! Iām proud of you for being here. This is a massive first step. Alex and I can help you take the next steps. If you want⦠But thatās up to you. I KNOW we have an incredible programā¦. But itās up to you to decide if youāre ready to take those steps⦠Either way. Iām proud of you. And If this isnāt for you right now, thatās ok. Please stay as long as you want. And be gentle on yourself. Keep Putting one foot in front of the other. You deserve it.