Where is the Line?

I am volunteering with our local schools and the middle school Counselor to provide some facilitated conversation with the youth–all around the topic “Where is the line?”

I am glad that our school is picking up on this topic and providing some curriculum around these values challenging topics.  We discuss drugs, sex and appropriate behaviors.  The kids already see inappropriate behavior in the halls and lunchrooms.  In these conversations we ask them to provide the scenarios and we then ask them to tell us if they are appropriate or inappropriate on a continuum.

When they decide the actions are inappropriate I then have them develop a plan–what will they do when/if they see this scenario play out in the hall tomorrow or when they leave the class.

The classes are so quick and this conversation is usually much too deep to tackle in 40 minutes.  However, it is a beginning and the kids do leave with a short plan of action for when they are next offered pot, or asked to send a nude photo, or any other of the scenarios we discussed.

Yes, it is important for schools to pick up this piece as parents, more and more, expect and look to schools to do so.  Parents are busy and with the economics of today, more parents are raising kids being single, or being two very busy people who are working hard to make ends meet.

Some parents balk at the idea of teachers and schools teaching their kids about drugs and sex.  Good for them, I say.

However, many parents are relieved as they see it needed.  Kids do not know where the line is unless it is given to them, or they reflect long enough, plan ahead and create it themselves.

Eventually, we all create our own lines–whether we do this intentionally or not is something for each of us to consider.

Where is your line?
Matt K.

Juggling…a great life skill

“I am running full steam and toss another ball into the air.”

Juggling is a life skill.  Have you begun to learn?

Begin with one ball or tissue.  The tissues can be easier.  Toss the ball into the air from one hand to another.  At first, focus on the arc and practice tossing from one hand to another, with a beautiful arc, and no movement of your feet.

Got it down?

Now, with one ball only, focus on the top of the ball’s arc.  When it reached that point of no gravity, the point where the ball goes no higher, but does not begin to fall yet, the important moment of timing–say “now.”  Do it again.

“Now, ….NOw, …..noW, …..NOW, …..NOW….”

This is an important step.  Get it into the soul of your eyes.

Got it?

Now its time for the second ball.  Toss one in your most beautifully practiced arc, when it reaches the “now” spot, toss the next one.  The goal is to catch both in opposite hands, without moving your feet and keeping it all very smooth.  Practice again.

Once you master two ball’s, add another if you like.  This time, you must keep it going.  Toss the first, “now,” toss the second, “now,” toss the third, “now,” toss the first…..and again and again.

By the way, when you toss only one ball at a time–you are juggling.

The life skill really evolves when you take on multiple balls.

We get busy and the act of juggling responsibilities is hugely important.  We have our value system to ensure we toss only the balls we want–or should.  When we lose balance, we drop a ball, maybe more, and we find out what really matters to us.

I can take on no more balls at the moment.  I maxed out.  I almost dropped a ball and my values would not let that happen.  So I began to say “No.”

It is just as important as “now.”  Because timing is almost everything–I will take on another ball just as soon as I set one down.

Beautiful!

Matt K.