"I don't wanna!" But......!

We have had our three grandchildren aged 12, 10 and 7 staying with us since last Thursday while their parents went to a conference in another city. We had planned out some activities, which included going to go 10 pin bowling and then meet their 3 year old cousin and uncle at the local council swimming pools for the afternoon. The eldest granddaughter was invited to have a pedicure with Grandma and a girls afternoon. Which  is in the end what she decided to do. That left me with the boys and we were going to go through with our plan for the afternoon.

Just before we were about to go the eldest grandson decided that he didn't want to go, saying he didn't really like bowling. We said "that is fine but are not spending the day watching TV or other screen time." With those restrictions, he decided to come with his brother. He really tried hard and participated in everything. The smiles started to develop and the laughter.

On the way home I asked if he had enjoyed the afternoon and he said he had a great time. So I stated to think when did he start to enjoy it.? I believe he started to enjoy it, when he first started to engaged with the process around him. He found bits of the bowling he did enjoy, little bits of success. Then he loved the pools.

So much of our time can be wasted with things we don't like and as a consequence won't engage with. If we would just engage with the process we may find a different result to one we expect.

We may enjoy at least part of the experience, or maybe learn some new skill that makes it a little better.

I believe there is a lesson in just choosing to engage enthusiastically whenever we can.