WARNING: this week's theme is a bit of a continuation from last week.You may recall from last week's preamble, I mentioned that it is graduation day in our house today (and may be for some of you this week as well). Sure, we've braved a few pre-school graduations, elementary school "soaring up" ceremonies, and eighth grade commencements over the years. And don't get me wrong, I'll go on public record saying that those are all very "important" and "special" milestones, but this one is a big one for us. This is no parenting participation trophy: we're talking about high school freaking graduation. As we prepare to send our first born out into the adult world for the first time, I feel compelled to try to provide her some sage fatherly advice that I have learned along the way. You know, something that falls on the spectrum between "Oh! The Places You'll Go!" and "Liquor before beer, never fear." While I was driving this week, I found that a random tune playing on the radio worked it's way into my head: "Hold on Loosely" by .38 Special. Can't say I've ever been a huge fan of the band, but damn if I could not shake it from my brain for some reason. It has a catchy, classic rock guitar riff with a Southern rock, summery feel. And then I started to think about the lyrics, and I realized it kinda resonated with how I have been feeling. If you are not familiar with the song, it was originally written about a relationship, and cautioned about how you need to stay close to the people you love, but not too close. You have to let them have a "whole lotta space to breathe in." Because if you don't give them the space, and you cling too tightly, you will lose what was close to you in the first place.No question this is true about romantic relationships, but it also seems relevant for parents to embrace as their kids get older and more independent. Instead of hovering and overprotecting them, parents should believe in them and give them the space they need to figure things out. I also began to think about the message and how it can apply to life in general. There are times everyone faces in life that are challenging, difficult, scary, and new. It could be going off to college, getting a new job, trying to close a business deal, handling a loss of a someone or something close to us, or tackling adversity when something doesn't go our way. During those periods in our life, our instincts can sometimes be to cling tightly to our fears, our insecurities, sadness or anger. They can consume us. And when this happens, not giving the situation a whole lotta space to breathe in can have a worse affect. We do actually lose control. So I have decided my advice to my daughter is going to be simple: no matter what life throws your way, remember to "Hold on loosely, but don't let go." While song lyrics usually have a short shelf life, I think this one may stick. Thank you .38 Special for the catchy earworm and the inspiration. I'm just glad it was your song that got stuck in my head and not something like "Mambo #5"....Enjoy your weekend and this week's selections. This week has some of the best content I have read in a while. If you check out nothing else, I strongly recommend clicking on the breakthrough technologies link. Probably could have been the only one I included this week it has that much fascinating stuff there. XOXODave
Share this post
Friends of Dave #26: Hold On Loosely
Share this post
WARNING: this week's theme is a bit of a continuation from last week.You may recall from last week's preamble, I mentioned that it is graduation day in our house today (and may be for some of you this week as well). Sure, we've braved a few pre-school graduations, elementary school "soaring up" ceremonies, and eighth grade commencements over the years. And don't get me wrong, I'll go on public record saying that those are all very "important" and "special" milestones, but this one is a big one for us. This is no parenting participation trophy: we're talking about high school freaking graduation. As we prepare to send our first born out into the adult world for the first time, I feel compelled to try to provide her some sage fatherly advice that I have learned along the way. You know, something that falls on the spectrum between "Oh! The Places You'll Go!" and "Liquor before beer, never fear." While I was driving this week, I found that a random tune playing on the radio worked it's way into my head: "Hold on Loosely" by .38 Special. Can't say I've ever been a huge fan of the band, but damn if I could not shake it from my brain for some reason. It has a catchy, classic rock guitar riff with a Southern rock, summery feel. And then I started to think about the lyrics, and I realized it kinda resonated with how I have been feeling. If you are not familiar with the song, it was originally written about a relationship, and cautioned about how you need to stay close to the people you love, but not too close. You have to let them have a "whole lotta space to breathe in." Because if you don't give them the space, and you cling too tightly, you will lose what was close to you in the first place.No question this is true about romantic relationships, but it also seems relevant for parents to embrace as their kids get older and more independent. Instead of hovering and overprotecting them, parents should believe in them and give them the space they need to figure things out. I also began to think about the message and how it can apply to life in general. There are times everyone faces in life that are challenging, difficult, scary, and new. It could be going off to college, getting a new job, trying to close a business deal, handling a loss of a someone or something close to us, or tackling adversity when something doesn't go our way. During those periods in our life, our instincts can sometimes be to cling tightly to our fears, our insecurities, sadness or anger. They can consume us. And when this happens, not giving the situation a whole lotta space to breathe in can have a worse affect. We do actually lose control. So I have decided my advice to my daughter is going to be simple: no matter what life throws your way, remember to "Hold on loosely, but don't let go." While song lyrics usually have a short shelf life, I think this one may stick. Thank you .38 Special for the catchy earworm and the inspiration. I'm just glad it was your song that got stuck in my head and not something like "Mambo #5"....Enjoy your weekend and this week's selections. This week has some of the best content I have read in a while. If you check out nothing else, I strongly recommend clicking on the breakthrough technologies link. Probably could have been the only one I included this week it has that much fascinating stuff there. XOXODave