It took me 3 mins, 09 seconds to read this in a leisurely fashion
There I was, : eyes closed, swaying in a room with 20 strangers, imagining I, a willow tree, could feel my roots swelling and fixing themselves steadily into the ground. And you know what I suddenly realised? ‘Oh my god, I’m actually loving this!’
This was the moment I’d been dreading ever since I signed up for this retreat last week.
‘There’s a session called “Intuitive Movement”,’ I kept telling anyone who’d listen.
I was… concerned, to say the least.
I’m an awkward dancer at the best of times, and the thought of taking part in something like this made my body shudder like a cat being told it’s bath-time.
But I wanted to try this retreat. It was called ‘Open Heart Operation’ - and having an open heart sounded like something I was up for! It was not expensive, and I could go after drop-off.
I knew I’d never pay thousands to fly out for something like this once I’m back in London.
So this was my chance.
I was in.
And once I was in, I was all in.
I wanted a crack at that open heart, and I didn’t want my awkwardness (and fixed mindset) to stop me.
So I showed up that day a bit awkward, obvs. But also telling myself, if other people can do this, I can do it too.
Just try.
The leader of the session mentioned how awkward we were probably all feeling—which helped remind me I probably wasn’t the only one forgetting to breathe, obsessively rubbing my soaked palms against my shorts.
I did it. And yeah, I loved it!
Letting go, overcoming those thoughts of ‘This is not for me, I’m too awkward/stiff/straight for this.’
Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t been converted to the cause of ecstatic dance parties.
But I had a great time proving myself wrong. And in the true Growth Mindset spirit, I should say: I haven’t been converted… YET.
One of my favourite bits about the whole experience was talking to my kids about it—before and after.
I think it’s really important to let them know when we’re feeling nervous about things. I told them on the way to nursery that morning that I was going to be doing something new that felt a bit scary.
And that even though I felt nervous and scared, I was still going to try.
When they picked me up that evening, it was so much fun excitedly telling them all about it.
Letting them share in the joy of overcoming something scary and then loving it.
Modelling to our kids that we too go through scary things and overcome them – that’s such an important lesson.
The Dark
Lemony Snicket (Author), Jon Klassen (Illustrator)
(Little, Brown)
Just like me nervously stepping into that ‘Intuitive Movement’ class, Laszlo is scared of the dark—until he bravely faces it head-on. This story is a gentle reminder that being brave doesn’t mean not feeling scared; it means trying anyway. Sometimes, what we fear most isn’t so scary after all.
How to use this book at home:-
After reading, ask your child:
What’s something that feels a bit scary or new to you?
How do you feel in your body when you’re nervous, like Laszlo?
Can you remember a time you tried something even though you were scared?
Share your own stories of being brave to show your child that everyone feels nervous sometimes.
Try acting out a ‘brave moment’ together—like turning off the lights and exploring with a torch, just like Laszlo.
This week in Club, I’d love for us to get a bit ‘noisy’ about bravery. Whether it’s your child trying something new, or you facing your own ‘dark’ (literal or metaphorical), let’s celebrate those moments.
Share your stories—big or small—about a time you or your child did something brave. Maybe it was trying broccoli, or maybe it was going to a party where you didn’t know anyone. I’ll go first: I swayed in a room of strangers pretending to be a willow tree, and honestly, I’m still proud.
Reply to this email or tag me on Instagram @noisybookclub with your stories.
Let’s build a little library of bravery together. 🤗
Can your sanity survive six weeks of ‘I CAN’T DO IT’?
Something brave (and totally free) is coming for families who want a summer with fewer meltdowns and more resilience. Keep your eyes on your inbox—details dropping soon!
You’re doing better than you think,
Becca
ps. Got some thoughts or questions? Hit reply and ask away. You know how much I love talking to parents and problem-solving.
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