We have partnered with our friends at WM People who run the incredible websites of WorkingDads.co.uk & WorkingMums.co.uk to publish a series of blog posts by ESAH Trustee Drake Peabody.
The second blog of the series talks about the importance of lived experience and how you can’t understand the trials of early parenthood until you experience them. Read the original post here and below.
Let’s go on a journey together as we explore the importance of self-discovery and learning through lived experience.
Take a moment to think about your favourite vacation/holiday or the most amazing place you have visited. Now think about what you did before to plan for the vacation/holiday or place you went – how did you hear about it, what research did you do before it, did you speak with anyone about it, etc.
How did the actual experience of being there compare with everything you did before to plan – did the real-life experience meet or exceed your expectations?
For me, this would be visiting the temples in Bagan, Myanmar. Before going, I did loads of research on the country, different tours to do, looked at numerous photos, and thought I knew exactly what I was getting into. Despite countless hours of research and becoming an “internet expert” on Bagan, the lived experience was so much more incredible and memorable. Doing a bike tour throughout the vast, tranquil landscape which was dotted throughout with over 2,000 pagodas, many from the 11th century, in the warm south Asian sun is an experience I will never forget and one of my fondest memories of travelling.
The same importance of self-discovery and lived experiences is true in my life as a father. For example, I thought I knew what I was getting into with a young child and the sleepless nights, based on the countless stories I heard from new parents, but it wasn’t until the first time we had three straight days of sleepless nights and a demanding work schedule that I really knew. During this period, my wife, Kara, and I figured out what worked well for us via trial and error, and realised it was only through lived experience we were able to figure out the right formula for us.
As we wrap up today’s journey together, I encourage you to reflect on times when you thought you understood something, but once you got stuck into it, your lived experience totally changed your perspective. Just like navigating through the sleepless nights, Kara and I didn’t get it perfect at first, but we discovered what works best for us through our lived experience. Regardless if it’s cooking, mowing the lawn, cleaning the bathroom, putting kids to bed, or anything else, I encourage you to be like Nike and Just Do It – you may not get it perfect the first time, but you will learn from the experience and figure it out.