A introspective Padawan…or is that nerves?

Several weeks ago, my family and I spent the day at Disneyland.  My four-year-old  is a huge Star Wars fan, and he made the decision before we left the house that he had enough courage to finally try for a spot in the Jedi Training Academy.  Up until this point, he refused to even sit at a table close to the training academy, yet now he felt like he was ready.

If you aren’t in the Jedi Training Academy-know, the academy is an opportunity for children–boys and girls–to train with real Jedis and learn how to battle against well-known foes from the dark side, Darth Vader and Darth Maul.  These characters are as real as they get.  There’s nothing more menacing as the image of Darth Vader coming up from under ground on the Tomorrowland Terrace stage amidst a cloud of eerie smoke with John Williams’ famous Star Wars theme enveloping the eager crowd.

Paying close attention to the Jedis.

My four year old is not the most bravest child.  In fact, he is very shy and very nervous when it comes to new experiences.  He refuses to sit on Santa’s lap and had a really hard time even telling Mrs. Claus what he wanted for Christmas as she helped him decorate cookies at the Disneyland blogger holiday party.  He is one of those overly cautious children who doesn’t like to take risks.  He doesn’t jump off of jungle gyms or make a scene when he is playing with his friends at the park.

With a bit of fear on his face, he sat patiently waiting for the Jedi Training Academy to begin –not up at a table in the Tomorrowland Terrace dining area but the “bull pen” from which they select the children who will particpate and fight the dark side.

After being chosen, my brave boy mustered up all of his courage and donned his Jedi robe, he was handed his light saber.  The lesson was on and the “battles” against the dark side were underway.

Fighting Darth Maul.

I’m guessing that Darth Maul’s face was a bit scary for A to handle, but he stood strong against the dark side and prevailed.

Here is a video of my son’s experience.

I’m not sure if A’s smile is that of happiness, relief, or a little bit of both.

I couldn’t be more proud of how my little man stepped out of his comfort zone.  I know he was scared to death, but he did it.  I have a lot to learn from him.  I really need to step out of my comfort zone every once in a while, no matter how nervous I might be.

Click here for our SIX expert tips for getting your child selected for the Jedi Training Academy!