I wondered if butterflies set her stomach aflame as she waited, head dipped between arms stretched overhead. 
Was she startled by the sharp tone of the buzzer, her body launching automatically into the churning blue?
Did she feel the shift in the current as her competitors tore through the water in neighboring lanes? Was she driven or intimidated by the scream of the crowd? Could she hear us cheering her name?
I wanted to ask her if she felt nervous. I wanted to know if there was any piece of this that brought out a competitive edge in her, anything that made her want to win.
Was she startled by the sharp tone of the buzzer, her body launching automatically into the churning blue?
Did she feel the shift in the current as her competitors tore through the water in neighboring lanes? Was she driven or intimidated by the scream of the crowd? Could she hear us cheering her name?
I wanted to ask her if she felt nervous. I wanted to know if there was any piece of this that brought out a competitive edge in her, anything that made her want to win.
But Ava is six and swimming competitively is new, competition in general, is new. What if my question scared her into an early bout of anxiety? What if my curiosity killed her growing enjoyment of the water?
Could an idea be that powerful a suggestion? I guess I’m not ready to find out.
3 comments:
These are the questions that haunt... Do you insist they dunk their heads under water just because everyone in the class already does it, or do you smile at other accomplishments and know that some day it will come. This stuff keeps me up at night... I always vote for keeping my questions few and my praise plenty, but well earned!
Next time one of them has a sporting event you should take me! (Unless I'm working, of course.)
Yes, an idea can be THAT powerful. I applaud you for knowing when to just watch and encourage and just let her be. She'll talk to you about anxieties soon enough... Until then, keep up with the praise and encouragement. :)
Post a Comment