As is the case with many children, HRH had a fear of vacuum cleaner. Whenever I needed to clean up, MHH would take him out of the house. A few months ago, we got a new vacuum. It has various speeds and the slower speeds are quieter.
So MHH is away on a business trip and I had to clean. I spent some time prepping HRH about my coming plans to vacuum.
And then I turned the vacuum on.
His face did the pre-break-down-to-crying thing. At the same time, I could see something rise in him to resist the fear. That “something” won the battle and I praised HRH profusely.
Since that day, he has not been afraid of the vacuum. In fact, now when I pull out the vacuum, he comes up and stands there. If I let go of the hose (to move a piece of furniture or something), he takes the hose and holds it to his mouth. I guess that’s his way of making sense of it.
I’m a bit jealous of HRH.
Because some of my long-standing fears are still clinging to me like smoke in a bar.
Why can’t I take my fears in hand like HRH now takes the vacuum hose?
Is it because they’ve been around so long they are almost friends? Is it because I’m really not all that bothered by them so I don’t just kick them to the curb? Is it because I don’t believe the Power within me is greater than the fears?
I really don’t know.
But I am learning. From an 18-month old.
And I’m ready to pick up the hose.
because a courageous heart does good,
KC
