Here's what I forgot. Since I moved to South Florida, I have become more of a homebody. I prefer to be inside. I don't go camping. I don't go for hikes. I don't venture out in a canoe or kayak - I strongly dislike snakes and alligators. I was learning to rock climb but Florida doesn't even have hills unless you count Mount Trashmore - and I don't. I don't spend time at the beach because...that's tourist territory (and I can't swim). But the big reason I don't go outside much is that mosquitoes are evil. They grow them big down here. They seem to think that I am candy.The 4-H club was primarily fishing which at the time I didn't realize my daughter disliked. She had problems with the reel. She got frustrated when she got a snag. She got frustrated when her friends caught fish and she didn't. It just was one big giant mess. Her frustration was causing me frustration and I didn't understand.
This was not my intent. Being in the great outdoors is scientifically proven to be good for your health - fresh air and Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, it helps your body absorb calcium and it also helps with depression. Studies have shown that being near water can improve your stress levels and it makes us happy! (No wonder people move to coastal cities or go on cruises!) Fishing is not something that you frequently converse while doing so considering her anxiety, I thought that having that solitude was something she would embrace. She was still with her friends but could be alone as well. I thought of my own experiences fishing and apparently was trying to recreate them with her. When I was her age (and much younger), I loved fishing with my Papa. It was a bonding experience and I have so many fond memories of going out to the farm with him. I learned you needed to be patient (which is still not my strong suit). Yet, when it came to fishing, I could be out there for hours with him and the only complaint would be that I needed to use the bathroom.
I don't remember experiencing the anxiety she experiences so I have a hard time understanding what she is going through. I know anxiety causes her heart to race, her breathing to become labored, she cries and wants to avoid all situations that cause these feelings and I don't blame her. My heart aches for her because I want to help, I just don't know how. Simple tasks that are simple to you or me are huge obstacles for her. They are speed humps for us, but mountains for her. I know she'll succeed but we have to find the right path for her. I'll be the first to admit that there are times I lose my cool and I often turn to some of my homeschool moms for guidance.
At the end of her first year of 4-H, it turned out, her interest wasn't the only one lacking. With dwindling interest in fishing, the kiddos voted to expand to archery. Now we are having to turn kids away!
