Fear and a Little Perspective

My niece brought her 6-weeks premature baby home this week. A happy and healthy little boy!

So, what does that have to do with Crossfit?  Let me explain                

When we brought home our son Pete (who was also 6 weeks early and in the NICU for a bit) -- and they put him in the car and said "good luck" -- I was more scared than I'd ever been in my life. We were suddenly responsible for this small human. It was our job to make sure he stayed alive in our care for the next 20+ years. OMG! I had only been responsible for pets, what did I know about babies? If your dog runs in to the street and gets hit by a car it is a major bummer but you will get over it. If your child runs in to the street and gets hit by a car, well, let's not even go there. You get my point.

Now, the Crossfit connection. How many times do we look at the WOD and get scared or nervous? How many of us look at what we have to do and say "that is too hard" or "I will totally suck at this one. Maybe I won't go." Cherry picking time. But, if you really think about it, what is the worse that can happen? Maybe you can't do it -- so what! Maybe you will finish last -- so what!  NOTHING of real consequence can happen. You won't die, no one else will get hurt, you may just be uncomfortable for an hour. What's the big deal? Nothing can compare to falling asleep in a chair with a baby in your arms, waking up and realizing the baby was on the floor. Or, falling asleep while playing with your baby on the floor and waking up and having him sitting at the top of the basement stairs looking like he wanted to go for a little trip. THESE  are scary occurrences. (And, um, yes they happened. Don't tell Jan.)

So, for all those parents out there, remember this when you don't want to come and do a workout. How bad could it be? Nothing compares to the fear and effort you put in to raising a child. Fifty burpees for time, a piece of cake! And for all of you who don't have any children yet, your time will come. Crossfit workouts will seem like a walk in the park compared with trying to stay awake with your baby.

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