Go The Extra Mile is a 50km walk to raise funds for a youth suicide prevention program. We are inside the last two weeks of preparation now, and despite the pain and the uncertainties there is no turning back. Yes, there is still time to fine-tune walking gear, arrange logistical details, do more fundraising, and maybe adjust some attitudes a little…
Why am I doing this 50km walk? Yes, I want to prove to myself that I am physically up for an endurance event, and I do enjoy walking in the Dandenong Ranges. Yes, I want to set an impressive speed / time for the 50km, even at my age (and after a minor heart attack). I was aiming for 8hr, spurred on by my friend who did it in 7hr last year. However, after three full-scale practice sessions and lots of pain from pushing my body too hard, I’m now more relaxed about the time and will settle for a reduced pace with a lower risk of injury. A little attitude shift…
Here’s another little attitude shift.
How often do we put expectations on our teenage kids and push and push until something snaps or the pain brings everything to a stop? What if as parents we ease off the pressure on compliance and seek more to build relationship?
Parents are unlikely to be a teenager’s “best friends”, but you certainly don’t need to be “the enemy”. Every time a parent digs in to battle over an issue, the relationship becomes a little more adversarial and less likely to build a lasting foundation for the young life that is emerging. Those without strong foundations become increasingly vulnerable to destructive patterns and people, especially in their thinking, where self-perceptions can easily turn suicidal.
The youth suicide prevention program run by Focus on the Family is designed to help parents and young people learn the patterns and indicators – and the attitude shift that makes a difference. This is why I’ll Go The Extra Mile. See my team page at GoTheExtraMile and contribute financially to make a difference for our young people. Thanks! mb
