Sometimes the best morsels of insight arise from a frustrating situation.   This time it came in the form of a dead car battery.

There is never a good time to find out that your car will not start.  It is always frustrating.  Yesterday was that day.  The weekend had been wonderful.  I had helped out with a Soulspark Yoga Retreat and was feeling blissfully peaceful as I made my way to my car and prepared to make the 30-mile drive home.  I had been part of the clean up crew and so was the last to leave.  As I turned the key in the ignition, it wouldn't start.  I looked up and realized that I was completely alone.  I began making phone calls, but no one was answering their phone, including my dear husband.  I finally reached my friend, Alex, who returned to rescue me by giving me a jump-start.  

I immediately called automotive expert, Joe Ross, who I knew would eventually forgive me for calling him on Sunday.  Joe suggested that I stop by his place on my way home.  I took him up on his offer.  Joe checked my battery and told me that it was indeed bad.  I would need to replace it.  Joe offered to do the job, but when I began sorting through logistics, it dawned on me that I was going to need to change this battery myself.   Joe went into his garage, pulled out a 10mm wrench and handed it to me. He said, "This is the tool you'll need to do the job."  With a kind smile and a quick jump-start, Joe sent me on my way.

This morning, I made my way to the auto parts store and purchased the battery I needed.  I got out the tool that Joe had lended me and got to work.  Within just a few minutes I had replaced my own battery!  I was so proud of myself.  I wanted to run into the store and shout out exuberantly about what I had accomplished.  I wanted everyone to know what I had just been reminded of.  I AM CAPABLE!

I made the decision not to scream out my personal success to the staff and customers at the auto parts store this morning. I chose instead to savor the experience, recognize the lesson it held, and share it with you.

As parents, we worry.  We worry that our children will fail and that it will be our fault.  This worry often causes us to over-compensate for them.  We help them with everything. Sometimes we even take things over.  In doing so, we deprive them of realizing their own capability.  

Joe offered me a tool; the tool I needed to solve my own problem.  A gift that will last a lifetime.  Thanks Joe.