The Nutshell w/e 7th March

Dear Parents,

I want to share a recent experience that reminded me how important it is to step outside our comfort zones —even when it feels daunting!

Over half term I had the opportunity to go ziplining in Elgin, South Africa. Now, I had imagined this experience as nothing but exhilarating—flying through the air, taking in the breathtaking views, and feeling completely free. But when I got to the first platform and looked down, something unexpected happened. I was scared. Really scared.

I hadn’t anticipated being so afraid of the unknown. My heart was racing, and for a split second, I thought, maybe this isn't for me.

But then I reminded myself why I was there. I had chosen to do this because I wanted to challenge myself, to push beyond what felt comfortable and familiar. And so, I took a deep breath, trusted the harness (and our guide!) and stepped off the platform.

Now, if this were a perfect story, I’d say the fear melted away instantly—but that’s not what happened. My first zipline was a complete mess. I made mistakes, panicked mid-air, and nearly ripped my hand off because I didn’t follow the instructions properly. It was chaotic, and I felt completely out of my depth. But I kept going. With each zipline, I learned, I adjusted, and it did get easier. By the final few, I was actually enjoying it—laughing, feeling the thrill, and appreciating the experience for what it was.

This experience reminded me of something valuable: fear is natural, and setbacks happen, but they don't have to hold us back. The things that scare us the most often lead to the greatest rewards. Whether it’s trying something new, speaking up, or taking a risk, stepping outside our comfort zone is where real growth happens.

What is something that challenges you? What is something you’ve been avoiding because it feels too intimidating? Maybe today is the day you take that step. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself.

Best wishes,

Lindie

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