I really liked this bit at the ABC about the New York Times’ Australian Bureau Chief Damian Cave finding a few things out about himself on the beach at Coogee.
Both he and his wife are former war correspondents, so not naturally nervous types, but they realised that they’d become helicopter parents in New York…
As he watched both his kids in their new endeavours, he saw a sense of self-satisfaction growing within them, as well as a new lightness in the way they moved through the world.
It made him proud. It also made him curious to see whether he could follow their lead.
So, when his son encouraged him to take part in the Bronze Medallion adult lifeguarding courses, Mr Cave saw an opportunity.
At first, he found the training both physically gruelling and deeply frustrating. His body, which he describes as a kind of "marvel of inefficiency", refused to be brought into line.
But, as his new routine took hold, he began noticing small but meaningful shifts in himself.
The physical intensity of the training heightened his senses, both during the sessions and beyond. It helped him to feel more present in his daily life and take pleasure in mundane tasks like cooking dinner, something that he once found burdensome
It’s a nice piece, lovely really, about the things you see from the outside.
Good story that - I can dig and relate in that I joined my local surf club (Bondi) with the idea that I could inspire my youngest son to do Nippers...nowadays I'm a patrol captain, my son is in my patrol having gone through Nippers finishing up as Club Captain and Junior Lifesaver of the Year for our branch! I aimed to just help out and ended up as the Age Manager for his group too. Son has had his Bronze Medallion course delayed, but starts later this month finally!
"It's the showing up that counts." Indeed. Amazing how hard that can be.
Good story that - I can dig and relate in that I joined my local surf club (Bondi) with the idea that I could inspire my youngest son to do Nippers...nowadays I'm a patrol captain, my son is in my patrol having gone through Nippers finishing up as Club Captain and Junior Lifesaver of the Year for our branch! I aimed to just help out and ended up as the Age Manager for his group too. Son has had his Bronze Medallion course delayed, but starts later this month finally!
Thanks JB - I do enjoy your shout outs to other writers!
He was on the Drum during the week. It was interesting to hear about the differences between AU and US parenting. Sounds much better here.