With increasing frequency, my youngest son is starting to beat me at my own game.
1. Quite often when we have an argument (all typical mother-teenage stuff) he shifts the perspective and energy we're in and says:
"Mum, LET IT GO. IN 200 YEARS WE WILL ALL BE DEAD AND NO ONE ON THIS EARTH WILL EVEN REMEMBER US."
At this point, I never know whether to be exasperated or thrilled - (a part of me still believes that dirty socks, wet towels, and junk on the floor are unacceptable). But a much deeper part of me is thrilled to accept defeat and agrees that what we had been arguing about had absolutely NO REAL SIGNIFICANCE at all and was not worth spending our precious time and head space on.
Keeping the bigger picture in mind at ALL times is an incredible life skill. But it is strange when you realise that your own child is beating you at your own game!
2. As he is now in his final year at school, he has decided that he wants to go to uni and study psychology - a very popular if not oversubscribed course. As he does not have straight A's there is a real possibility that he won't get in. When I asked him what he thinks he might do if he does not get offered a place he looked at me as if I was the one to be concerned about and said:
"MUM, YOU CAN'T GO THROUGH LIFE FOCUSSING ON PLAN B."
3. Yesterday (me being all motherly again) I tried to encourage him to take yet another look at all of his talents and alternative options beyond psychology. He leaned back in his chair with the most relaxed body language and with a sense of adventure, excitement, and absolute certainty in his voice he said:
"IF I DON'T GET INTO UNI, THEN THERE WILL BE SOMETHING ELSE. I *KNOW* THAT I WILL BE DOING SOMETHING IN MY LIFE THAT I WILL ENJOY. I KNOW THAT WHATEVER HAPPENS, I WILL BE OK."
"Amen",
I say and lean back in my chair, now completely relaxed and filled with a sense of peace, excitement, and wonder.
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