My daughter loves our swing set.

I often wonder how long she would sit there swinging back and forth, smiling with every push, giggling here and there?

Today she surprised me as she refused my pushes and tried to imitate pumping her legs like her older sisters. She just couldn’t get the rhythm right, though. She was making the swing jiggle a little, but she was not swinging. I admired her commitment, but I could see a meltdown about to erupt as her frustration increased.

I decided to help her out with a little push when she wasn’t looking.

•••

It can be a tough call at times, determining when to give a little push and when to let someone fail, and I’m not just talking about parenting anymore. There is much to be said for both, but there really needs to be balance.

I am so thankful to be surrounded by the positive encouragement of others that give me a little needed push to help me through a project. Sometimes that is all I need and I’m back on track, full steam ahead.

There are other times that I resist the advice and aid of others. I just want to try it on my own, risking a failed attempt if needed because there is no greater feeling than that of accomplishment. Sometimes I succeed. Most often I fail, but those failed attempts are such glorious glimpses of what soon will be if I keep trying.

It’s important to know that not all pushes in life are helpful, and going it alone isn’t always bad. The hard part, excuse me, the important part is knowing when to accept and when to pass up assistance.

I’d be a fool to refuse all pushes.

I’d never grow, however,  if I didn’t try pumping my legs on my own regularly too.

Kelly Croy is an inspirational speaker and artist. Please visit his website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com or call  1-800-831-4825  or email at info@kellycroy.com • Kelly’s  presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation including corporations, schools, churches, conferences, and numerous other venues where people come together to be entertained and improve their lives. Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.