What Do You Have To Lose?

Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster is one of the boys’ favorite rollercoasters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; we usually try to ride it three or four times, trying to squeeze in a back-to-back ride when the park is closing–this year, only one of us would get multiple rides.

Roman, Leo, and I made the trek back to the ride in the final half-hour of the park and hopped in line. It looked like we were going to execute our end-of-the-night strategy yet again. We’d been in line for about ten minutes when I looked down at Leo and could tell something wasn’t right. 

I asked if he was okay, and he shook his head yes, but as a parent, you can always tell when your kids are off, and they aren’t telling you the truth. I asked him again. He quietly told me that his stomach hurt and thought he had to go to the bathroom. I asked him if he was sure and if he thought he could make it to the end of the ride–I already knew the answer by the look on his face.

We left Roman in line so he could get his final ride in and walked back out; I told Leo we’d ask if we could get back in line, hoping they’d let us rejoin Roman since he was alone. I could tell Leo was upset, and I told him there was nothing he could do about it and getting out of line was much better than what could have happened if we stayed in line–plus, we had already ridden the ride once that day. 

As we approached the entrance to the ride again, it was seven minutes after the park closed, which meant no new riders would be let on. Leo told me not to worry about asking because he didn’t want to bother the people–he’s shy and doesn’t like talking to people he doesn’t know. 

I also don’t think he wanted to be told “no.” 

I asked him, “What did we have to lose?” If they said yes, then we’d get to make a bunch of people mad as we walked through the line to get back with Roman. If they said no, then we’d be no worse off than we were at that moment. So, we had everything to gain–in the form of another ride–and nothing to lose by being in the same position.

We asked. 

They said no. (I think if I had made a bigger deal about Roman being alone, they might have let us in, but I didn’t want to make things seem like they weren’t, and it was a good learning experience for Leo in multiple ways.)

As I’m sure you’ve already experienced throughout your life, there will be opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone and ask for something you want, need, or deserve. Don’t let the fear of being told no keep you from asking–you might be pleasantly surprised by the response you receive.

Or, you might hear no…

and you’ll just be in the same position you were before you asked.

See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,

JC