My Supports

     Support comes in many different forms. One of the biggest challenges I experienced is a divorce. I was able to survive this difficult ordeal through pray and the encouragement of family. I was physically and emotionally stifled in a state of depression. Prayer is my primary daily support. Spending time in worship and communicating with God provides me with guidance, peace, and reassurance. Pray helps me to focus on my emotional health by prioritizing my needs and wants and balance expectations both internally and externally. Additionally, my children and family are my greatest supporters. They cheer me on through successes and lift me up when I fall. There is no substitute for the love of family. Without my faith I could not navigate through my life and would not feel complete. My faith gives me the confidence to face trials. In the absence of family, I would feel loss. They are my strength. Music is also a comfort strategy that I incorporate in my life each day. Listening to music helps to relieve stress and inspires me to look beyond the circumstances and focus on solutions.

My Connections to Play

Growing up in a region of the country where it snowed for 5-6 months of the year, during the warmer weather months especially summertime, children enjoyed playing outdoors. Our play was simple, kickball, water play with the lawn hose, biking, building cardboard playhouses, games, and just interacting with friends. We created lemonade stands and performed singing and dancing talent shows for the neighborhood. We did not require a lot of props because the outdoors provided natural materials such as trees and hills. We looked forward to weekend cookouts and visiting with family. I do recall that most of my friends and female cousins wished for and received an easy bake oven and Barbie’s beauty shop with accessories. It was a simpler time where children found joy in playing with a slinky, making up stories, rolling skating, and playing jacks.

Adults supported play by encouraging children to go outdoors. It was an era when the neighbors looked out for each other and supervised the children on the block. I recall that academics was the priority in early childhood. Play and learning were separate concepts.  Recess was the designated time to expel energy and get exercise. This trend differs from the current opinion that play is an essential part of the development of children within the school setting. Children need the freedom to explore and create based on their interests, needs, and abilities. Play does not stop as one transitions into adulthood. Although there is a sift in priorities, adults still engage in extracurricular activities. As an adult, I do not drink from the water hose anymore or run around the neighborhood playing tag with my friends, but I still enjoy singing, playing board games, walking, and interacting with friends.

“When children pretend, they're using their imaginations to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick can be a magic wand. A sock can be a puppet. A small child can be a  superhero.”

~Fred Rogers

“Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.”
~Dianne Ackerman

Relationship Reflection

     My relationship with God is essential to my daily journey. My prayer time allows me to connect to my Spiritual Father in a way I cannot relate to my earthly family. I find comfort, love, and understanding and it helps me to be a better mother, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, and human being. I recognize that forgiveness is important in any relationship, especially for the person who committed the offense.  Within our close knit family, we are more than supporters, we are investors in each other’s goals and dreams. Our faith helps us to maintain our relationships through pray and conversation. The relationship I share with my children helps to keep me focused. I know that parenthood obligates me to instill creditable values and morals that my children will rely upon throughout their life.  

    My friends are also important to me. We celebrate triumphs, mourn losses, and encourage each other to persevere. Trusting people outside of my family is a challenge for me. I have learned to establish expectations regarding friendships while knowing that disappointment is inevitable but at the same time believing in the healing power of time. Another challenge that hinders building partnerships with the people in my inner circle is distance. The individuals that I am closet to live the farthest away. We rely on technology to helps us bridge the gap of distance.

     As an early education practitioner, I find that I am more inclined to empathize with single parents based on my personal experience. I understand the turbulent circumstances can plague a family with limited income. I try to offer resources and reassurance that I will guide them to the assistance they may require while providing collaborative interactions.

“When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.”
― Jess C. Scott, The Intern