My Support

Support can have many classifications to say, but the basic concept is that it is a resource of dependability, nurture, compassion, guidance, and direction.  This term has many words that can describe its mean.  Webster defines the term as “1 hold up  2 help  3 provide for  4 help prove” (Webster’s New World Dictionary, 2000, p. 325).  Regardless if one’s support is a parent, grandparent, sibling, teacher, peer, or more, the factor and mission is the same to help encourage and guide the individual into the right path or right choice.  We all have supporting factors daily that help us get through our life.  I have always been a self-motivator and rely on observation of others experiences to filter my choices.  For me it is of course based on my philosophy and experience thus far in life.  One of the hugest supports in my life would be the fact of my own personal drive.  My mother died at a young age in my life, the thought of what she would want me to do always motivated me to make better decisions in life.  As well as my grandmother, whom became my support after my mother’s death.  Once she past at few years ago, those same thoughts rattle my mind before making a decision.  When I focus on the very moment, as of today from waking up to typing this blog, my biggest support would be my kids and my fiancé.  My kids have always been a motivator from the day I found out I was baring.  I yearn for them to have the healthiest and happiest life in every aspect.  I understand the effects of a dysfunctional childhood, with emotional abuse and tragic events.  Therefore my support truly lies in my kids.  They make me want to do better, be better in every way to lead the in the right path.  As one whom encountered a very hard previous marriage, separation, and divorce.  I was blessed to find someone whom truly supports me in many ways.  He proves financially for me and my kids.  He helps contribute to the household needs.  Also contributing to the cleaning/maintenance/up-keep to my home.  Homework, activities, and discipline that may be needed for the kids is now also a supporter from him.  If I did not have my fiancé, I would still be able to function and survive, but it would be much harder with 3 kids on my own.  As a previous single mother, I have had that road and indeed it is challenging in many ways.  It is difficult to find a sitter and or have the extra money to hire a good sitter.  My kids on the other hand, if I did not have them I would truly feel lost to say.  Of course as a human I can and would survive, but they truly are my passion and drive. 

If we look at the general aspect of support we can say that we have support from local law enforcement, local firefighters, doctors, and more.  Ensuring our safety and healthy to continue with everyday living.  Our government ensure the people their rights to freedom and more.  As a student, I have the support from my professor, peers, and facility.  The reality is we have an abundance of support that we are smothered with it we only take the time to step back look and accept the support.  Without these supports where would we be in society or even in this world. 

A challenge that I have actually encountered was a very bad car accident that left me unable to walk for 2 years.  I had to bed confined and unable to take care of myself or even my oldest child.  This was a very hard time in my life from many different angels, physically, emotionally, mentally, and even socially.  My father, step-mother, sister, and aunts truly stepped up and support me and my son.  I was overwhelmed with love and support, it kept my spirits up in many ways. 

Reference
Webster's New World Dictionary. (2000). Webster's New Pocket Dictionary. Cleveland, Ohio: Wiley       Publishing Inc.

My Connections to Play

“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” -Joseph Chilton Pearce

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw

I truly love these quotes and the vital words they share!  Play is vital to development, as that is a child’s world.  Children express themselves and learn many vital tools for the future playing.

The above 3 pictures are items I found vital and engaging when I was younger.  I had 2 sisters growing up, so playing with my siblings was a constant.  I enjoyed the outdoors and playing with jump ropes, hulu-hoops, bike, etc.  I was also very big into sports, I loved playing softball.  I was on many teams, from recreational ledge, traveling ball, school ball, and fall ball.  When I was younger my parents would limit our television time and make us go outside and play.  We had to us our imagination and creative nature.  My parents and immediate family support the physical activities of sports.  Not only was this physical movement for the body, but I was also learning many great tools for the future.  My father was actually my coach for many years.  How to work together as a team, accept different personalities, and more.  I also gained many friends and social experience during these years, that has followed me to this day.  By supporting my play and social involvement, they enriched my younger years with healthy growth and experience. 

Today indeed times are different from when I grew up.  My parents encouraged me to engage in recreational activities that consist of the outdoors.  Do not get me wrong I have my children engaged in those similar activities as well.  Electronics today are an epidemic and it seems every child has access to one or the other.  I have 3 boys, and my oldest, whom is 11 is consumed with video games if allowed.  He even conversates about the games and the new updates.  When I volunteer with the school, children have phones, talking and discussing the same video lingo as my son.  Nevertheless without parents enforcing the restrictions to some play, children can reap concerns with development.  Awareness and Education to the community and parents are vital.  My kids pediatric doctor incorporates with his annual check-up a questionnaire on electronics.  He educates and makes the children aware, a great asset we all should practice. 

Play is a vital factor for many reasons.  One of the reasons I have always stated, (prior to my knowledge gained thus far) they are only small once and adulthood is not easy, let them enjoy the best years of their life to say.  I enjoyed my childhood playing ball with my friends and all the other activities a child. Play allowed me the opportunity to learn how to establish relationships and communicate with peers that I have taken into adulthood.  I still have friendships from 5 years old, over several decades old.  I am blessed for those relationships and the skills I developed.  I have also learned tolerance and acceptance with working together.  From my experience from the softball team, I have been able to gain great leadership skills and open-mindedness with others opinions.