This kid. What can I say? Those of you who know us know that we deal with his anxiety on a regular basis. Most events, including daily routines, start with yelling, screaming, stomping feet, refusing to do anything, crying, and gagging (lots of gagging). We try our hardest to push him through things (neither one of us have anxiety, but we know from past events how much he ends up loving what we are doing) without freaking out, but it is a struggle. Trying to keep calm and patient is a daily fight. —————
This year’s trip to Seaside, we told him we were going to go zip lining. He was adamant that he was not going. No way, no how. After tears and screaming fits, he agreed to go IF he could go tandem with me. Sure, no problem. As long as he will try it. —————
We get to @highlifeadventures (amazing location, amazing staff, amazing restaurant for after or even just because!!) and the staff is so friendly and understanding. Ethan decides he isn’t going to go tandem on the first one. It’s short, he’ll try it. He does incredible! We are so proud of him!
He proceeds to do 7 of the 8 zip lines all by himself. Including one that the guide said he should go tandem because he isn’t heavy enough. This was something we didn’t expect. We didn’t expect him to even willingly get on the lines!
Last line of the day. It’s up a very large tower. The line is 1200ft. He’s okay, except we have to wait for the rest our group to do something called the Zwing. We had to wait quite awhile while the others in our group got their extra adrenaline rush. When it is finally our time to go (tandem race against @seen5950 and Chase) Ethan loses it. Here comes the tears, the anger, the refusing to go and the gagging. Not just a normal gag, but a full on dry heave every 30 seconds. And his legs are shaking so bad, but he gets up there and isn’t wanting to go, but he steps off and away we go!
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So incredibly proud of him and all he accomplished this trip. He has really stepped out of his comfort zone.
#anxiety #comfortzone #overcomingfears #ziplining #oregoncoast #warrenton #glavinroadtrip2019 #proudmom
