My Support

Whether we want to admit/use it or not, daily support is all around us. Professionally, I'm typically one of the persons consulted with for support from those in various positions. A program such as our has many working pieces and moving parts. Not for one minute do I take for granted the experience and expertise that everyone brings to the table to assist in resolving situations as they present themselves. It gives me comfort to know that I have individuals who at a moments notice, can and have re-prioritized their day to support me by becoming involved and committed to creating smooth internal operations. Without the support from everyone involved (honestly speaking) the program would ultimately cease to exist. I imagine it becoming a very hostile, stressful and uncooperative environment where people would no longer gain knowledge and professional growth, however began to develop resentment towards the company for allowing such dysfunction to exist. Staff retention would be a thing of the past and employee turnover would become the norm.

Personally, I imagine that I would need the greatest support if I was to fall ill. I totally hate being sick (I mean, who would like it...right?). So just last week when I contracted influenza A (which hit me like a freight train full speed) from work and needed the support of my team professionally and my family personally, I was faced to realize how dependent, vulnerable, and fragile we all are (myself included). Life can change in a single moment and it's nice to know you have dependable supportive people in your life to help look after you and care for you when you're in need. I feel very fortunate and thankful for the people that I do have as they know I have and will continue to do the exact same thing for them in return:)

My Connections to Play

 

Play for me as a child was safe and free exploration whether in or outdoors. During many of my outdoor endeavors, I spent countless hours doing two of my favorite things at the same time, climbing a tree and reading a book. My Grandmother encouraged me throughout my childhood to go outside and play with the neighborhood children or by myself instead of just watching television. There were times she would join me with duties of gardening, other lawn maintenance, and enlightening conversation about nature and life. To come to think of it, I don't recall any of the neighborhood children having issues with energy or weight problems. The philosophy of children playing outdoors as much as possible was shared with the neighborhood family. During that time, we played school (the oldest person was always the teacher), talk show, restaurant, the list goes on and on. We had a lunch break and then right back at it....PLAY TIME.

                                                                                  
Today with the advancements of technology and electronic devices, it seems that play has taken on another meaning for some people. It has become the primary entertainment and communication of family members. With today's busy lives and parents working, real outdoor play has been replaced in some cases with simulated outdoor play on a computer screen. Socialization has gone from face to face conversations that expand ones vocabulary, to abbreviated text messages. I truly believe that it was through those peer conversations that I developed the confidence to respectfully share my thoughts (speak my mind) with others. They may have even caused me want to take on leadership roles such as the one I have today.

                                                                                         
Even when schools have to make cuts to the budget, music and physical education are the first items to go. This leaves children in the classrooms to their academics with little to no socialization with peers. I recall pre and elementary school as fun filled days with more than 3 recesses.  Oh how I couldn't wait to go outside and talk to my friends, sharing ideas and experiences (boy, we thought we had everything figured out at 6 years old).

The following quotes reflect how I feel about the importance of PLAY!!!!

We don't stop playing because we grow old, We grow old because we stop playing.             "Satchel Paige"

The playing adult steps sidewards into another reality; the playing child advances forward to new stages of mastery. 
"Erik Erikson"