It's OK to Waterboard Your Friends
Turning Feral Journal - Day 24
Day 24: This one goes out to all of the parents… Have you ever been trapped in a vehicle with your little “mini-me,” only to be interrogated about every single thing in the universe 100x over? Well, I just experienced three days of this verbal waterboarding as my daughter and I drove our trapline for two hours each morning. I am proud to say that despite her best efforts she never broke me and I am sure somewhere a lone SERE instructor is smiling.
But, reflecting back on her innocent and relentless lines of questioning it dawned on me that she is in the complete immersion phase of life. Everything is new and magical to her and she wants to understand it all as best her little mind can comprehend… and she is learning a lot, quickly! The absorption rate of these young kids is completely astounding, and it’s because she’s not afraid to ask the question “why?!” - the question many of us adults are petrified of asking.
For whatever reason as we age, we feel that we should just know things, and that by asking “why?” we are showing incompetence. I am guilty of this fear, too. When I moved out West I feared showing the real me… the me that was completely inept at almost everything related to being a “mountain man.” – which was the exact persona I was trying to adopt and cultivate. Yet, the irony was that my fear of asking “why?” was actually holding me back from becoming the person I wanted to be.
So, take today to be a bit of a kid again and don’t be afraid to water board people with the best and most basic question… “why?!”
Daily Prompt: Where has your fear of judgment prevented you from asking “why?!” How do you think that has held you back from becoming the person you want to be?:
Motivational Quote:
It is very important for people to keep their sense of wonder and keep asking why.
-Stephen Hawking
Rewilding Action: Bailing Wire. Also known as “tire wire” has been an absolute lifesaver to have on hand. I have used it for trapping, fixing cars, tents, and all sorts of things… think of it as sturdier duct tape! It is multifaceted in its application and takes up minimal space sitting in a workshop drawer! Keep it and some wire cutters on hand and you will be surprised what you end up using it for.