Getting Into the Swing of Things: Our Beach Adventures and Leaning on Strengths
Hi There!
I hope you’re all doing great! This summer, we’ve decided to make it a point to hit the beach more often. Living just 5 miles away, it almost feels like a crime not to take advantage of it, especially now that our youngest is finally one. Let me tell you, it’s been quite a journey trying to manage beach outings with two littles, but we’re determined to make it work!
The first time we went with our oldest, he was just 3 months old. I remember being so nervous—almost like I shouldn’t have had a baby outside, let alone nurse him on the beach. The anxiety didn’t go away easily, and each subsequent trip was a bit of a challenge. But somehow, today, we managed to get into the swing of things, and it felt fantastic.
As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, I’ve learned to lean on my strengths and take action, even when things seem daunting. Here’s how my top strengths have helped me embrace these beach trips:
Futuristic: Envisioning Wonderful Memories
My Futuristic strength keeps me inspired by the future and what could be. I picture our family making beautiful memories at the beach—building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and soaking up the sun. This vision fuels my determination to get past the initial hurdles and make those dreams a reality.
Individualization: Tailoring the Experience
With my Individualization strength, I’m always aware of the unique needs of each family member. I know what will make our beach trips enjoyable for everyone. From packing the right snacks to ensuring we have enough shade, I tailor our beach day to suit everyone’s preferences, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Arranger: Organizing Chaos
My Arranger strength is my secret weapon. Organizing all the beach gear, managing nap schedules, and making sure we don’t forget the sunscreen—it’s a juggling act, but one I’m well-equipped for. This ability to arrange and rearrange until everything fits just right helps us have stress-free beach outings.
Woo: Creating Connections
The beach is a great place to meet new people, and my Woo strength makes it easy to connect with other families. It’s amazing how a friendly chat can lead to new friends for both the kids and us parents. This social interaction makes our trips even more enjoyable.
Learner: Embracing the Experience
Finally, my Learner strength helps me see each beach trip as a new opportunity to grow and improve. I’ve learned so much about what works and what doesn’t, and each outing gets a little easier. Embracing this learning process has made me more confident and capable.
Taking Action: The Only Way to Get Used to Something
Taking action is the only way to get used to something. We could have stayed home, overwhelmed by the logistics and potential challenges, but instead, we decided to go for it. Each trip is a little less intimidating, and we’re finding our rhythm. It’s a reminder that sometimes, you just have to dive in and trust that you’ll figure it out as you go.
So, here’s to more beach days, more memories, and more growth—both for the kids and for us as parents. If you’re feeling hesitant about taking on new challenges, remember to lean on your strengths and take that first step. You’ve got this!
Do Great Things!
Brittany
