Step Out and Take A Chance
Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 08:37PM 
Dreams deferred are most often dreams that never happen. Sometimes we just have to step out, take a risk, without letting anything stop us. How will we ever know what we are capable of if we don't at least try. How will we ever know what our true passions are if we don't challenge ourselves and most importantly, how will we live a life of commitment, dedication and authenticity to our creative side, if we never take that first step. The simple answer is, we won't.
These are the ideals and idea's that Liam is helping me work through these past few years. At seven years old he is already my hero for trying new things and for not letting obstacles get in his way. He is brave and he challenges himself in many ways...through sports and through the arts.
For a long time now he has been asking me for Irish Step Dancing lessons. It was a gift that I really wanted to give him but we couldn't find a place close enough to where we lived to do this for him. So for awhile, he would forget about it. Not for long though. Each time we would go to a pub or see a show that had step dancing as part of the entertainment he would start on me again. Each time I told him that as soon as we could find a place, we would send him. This year my daughter told me of a dance company coming to her work out center and they were offering Irish Step Dancing...I called and in fact they were coming, just in time for his birthday..I signed him up. There was one caveat though that I thought would throw a monkey wrench into his desire to try this dream of his.. THERE WERE NO BOYS IN THE CLASS.
So, on Liam's birthday, we gifted him the lessons. He was very excited. I did not tell him about the all girl class. On his first day, we went. Upon entering the studio he looked around and stood in the back. The girls were already dancing..three little ones. Before he knew what was happening his very lovely, Irish teacher, Miss Jackie, called Liam in like he had been going to this school for years. I swear he didn't know what hit him but jump in he did. I sort of slinked away so he couldn't see me and ask to leave. In the end, I was the one who was surprised, not Liam. At the end of this very first class he told me that he loved it and would be going back. Then I asked him about all the girls...he said, no problem.
After only three weeks of lessons for all of these sweet children, they did a little recital for a local Long Term Nursing Center. The girls were so cute in their tutus and Liam was so smart in his velvet pants, white shirt and red tie. For that special occasions his Mom got him his first pair of step dancing shoes, which he now wears each week for his lessons. Come now, with me, as we revisit that wonderful day for all these little ones who so proudly showed off their new found talent.
Not one to be left out..Jaxson sneaking in for a photo opt.
Miss Jackie...full of motion.
The holidays are now over and Liam, once again, is back to dancing. I think of him often when I'm deciding an issue, especially if it's a challenge for me. I think of his tenacity, his perseverance in never giving up until he finds a way to make things happen. Mostly I love that he is so willing to try, to accomplish dreams that most kids don't even seek. He doesn't always go on to continue year after year on one of his endeavors but he always gives it a fair shot. He took horse back riding lessons for over two years and although he doesn't ride anymore because of sports, it's still a love of his. The seed has been planted. Maybe someday he will ride again with no fear of it. The point is, he tries.
I feel like this year I want to try different things to challenge myself. Take a few different classes, work on my web-site, learning how to make changes to it, finding the light more often even if it means getting up earlier or staying out later. Writing more with passion. A craft I so love doing and of course reading is always top on my list but this year, more technical books. I'm not setting huge limits for myself...but I am opening myself up to new possibilities...I did tell you that is my word for the year, right? Some things will work and perhaps some won't but it won't be because I don't step over that line and try...
I'm going to keep following Liam's lead. He is so good for my spirit and he's also good for finding adventures.
Do you have anything you'd like to try this year? Something new and exciting...if so, make it happen...
Having the courage to take the steps we want to take is the only way we will know where we want to be...trust in yourself.
Reader Comments (9)
Great great story Cheryl! Liam is brave to be the only boy there, but how cute! And I bet those little girls love him! Irish Step Dancing is one of my favorites, I only wish I were younger with coordination. Love your pictures....those three girls at the piano bench, and Liam and the little girl playing - priceless!
As usual Cheryl, well written. Funny how our grandchildren challenge us. My son has wanted me to write my life story but my granddaughter has really challenged me this year. Good for Liam. As I always say, your help will make these two boys so sure of themselves. You go Cheryl, Liam and Jaxson. I'll be watching.,
What a wonderful post, Cheryl, and your Liam sounds like one very special young man.
xo.
I love his spirit! Obstacles? What obstacles? That determination and willingness to try things will take him far in life. His family's support and willingness to help make those things happen is wonderful, too.
I have never been one to think that adults are the teachers and children are the students. And in the case of Liam, he is really someone I can learn so much from. At his young age, he has great wisdom and self-knowledge -- he knows what he likes -- self-trust and the courage to follow his passions. And I love the way he handles barriers that we adults might think would stop him! Now, I know that while some of that is innate, a lot has been nurtured by his environment and very supportive and positive relationships with key people in his life -- and he has many. But good for Liam! And good for all of you! And that you are inspired by Liam is icing on the cake. I sure am too. Your images tell a wonderful story -- full of movement and passion and concentration and joy -- and it's so great that you are sharing them with the little girls' parents too. And that one of Liam and Jaxon -- well it's just the best! What a hugely uplifting post, Cheryl. Thank you.
Dearest Cheryl,
I was able to enjoy this upon awakening, but didn't have a moment to comment. It truly melted my emotions . . .
Sherry G. has totally expressed the same sentiments I was feeling about the encouragement your grandsons get from you and Jim.
I would love to have seen a video of his performance. How adorable! I love your persistence and incredible nurturing . . .
Again, words have escaped me, but this precious post has been on my mind all day long! xox
Once again I come here with a full heart knowing after reading all these lovely comments. I wonder what I will do when the boys are all grown up and our big adventures have ended. Well, I still know how to blog? Fortunately that is a bit in the future...in the meantime, I will continue to share the boys with you but honestly, I will try even now and again to toss something else in..Thank you for for your wonderful support.
First off kudos to Liam for following his heart. It is so important for children to learn that and practice it at a young age. Rather than spend a life doing something that does not inspire you. All the photos are beautiful. Photos of children and animals are what inspire me! Love capturing those "moments" and their spontaneity.
I would love to spend more time on my photography but alas work gets in the way and takes up most of my time and week. I look forward to the day I can retire but that is not for another 9 years. And so I squeeze in my photography on the weekends and during vacation. I am excited though as I am selling more and more of my photos, especially this past year. I am glad I hung in there even when I had my doubts. That is encouraging. I have to get back in the swing of regularly blogging but I don't want to be married to it again or have it dictate my life. And so I only do it when I have the time and inclination.
I do look forward to meeting you and Susan Licht next week, as it seems we have been following each other for a number of years now. That for me is stepping out of my comfort zone. Taking time off to pursue my passion is typically something I would not have done before. And so I look forward to next week.
The boys look so much like their dad!
Your blog is the best!