My Connectons to Play!

          

When I was a young girl I spent many days outside playing with my siblings, cousins, and friends. There were two-hand touch football, basketball, kick ball, jump rope, hide-n-seek, relay races, skating, swimming, games we would make up, and so much more. We would wake up eat breakfast and go outside and play. There was four of us so it was plenty to do and plenty of children to play with and we also had cousins spend the night all the time especially during the summer. I played everything and I was very competitive. It was important for us to go outside not only to keep our parents sane from the rough house play and noise in the house but to stay physically fit and it was what we loved to do. My favorite is skating and running. To this day I still skate and have a good time doing it. I still play outside with my children and husband and we also introduce them to the games we played as children. It is important for my children to go outside and experience the great outdoors. We go on nature walks, play tag, swim, and other activities. On rainy days we play electronics, board games, read, and play with dolls (my girls) and action figures and cars (my son). I also enjoy outside activities with my students when I am at work. One activity my students love me playing with them is when I turn the playground into a big ship and the ground is the water and if anyone gets down they are eaten by sharks unless the ship stops. It is a game we made up as a class, so when we go outside that is one of the games we play along with me chasing them playing freeze tag. I want all children to experience how much fun you can have by playing outside instead of watching TV or playing with electronics. Play today is very different because kids are so drawn to technology and that takes away from their outdoor creativity, some social skills, and physical fitness. I make sure I stay physically fit so that I can keep up with my 3 children and my students.

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything, than when we are at play.”
― Charles Schaefer

“How would your life be different if...You decided to give freely, love fully, and play feverously? Let today be the day...You free yourself from the conditioned rules that limit your happiness and dilute the beautiful life experience. Have fun. Give - Love - Play!”
― Steve Maraboli, The Power of One

 
“Go and play. Run around. Build something. Break something. Climb a tree. Get dirty. Get in some trouble. Have some fun.”
― Brom, The Child Thief

“It is a happy talent to know how to play.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.”
― Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

 

Relationships!

I have close relationships with very select people in my life. Relationships mean a lot to me and I value them and learn from them. My Lord and Savior, my husband, my dad, and my mom are the people I have a very close relationship with. Each relationship is different of course but they all hold a special place in my heart.

My most important relationship is my spiritual relationship with My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This relationship helps me have a positive and effective relationship with the people in my life. Through Christ I can do all things and that has been proven time and time again. I love my Lord and he has been there for me all the time. When I felt I could not go on I would pray and God would give me strength I need to make it through. I would also pray just to say thank you! I love my Lord!

My husband is my all, he is my best friend and we have been together since 1995. This is a man who truly knows me and loves me. This man knows EVERYTHING about me!  I can be myself around him and he accepts me for whom I am and supports everything I want to do and become. He pushes me when I feel like giving up and he holds my hand to help me through my troubles. I love him unconditionally and I know he loves me unconditionally. He makes me laugh and we are a great team. He is my soul mate and I cannot see my life without him. We are a team! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, communication, and trust are the key to our healthy relationship. I love this man!

My mom is my life. Even though she is not with me here on earth she will forever be with me in my heart. I had/have a wonderful relationship with my mom. She knew me inside and out. She knew the decisions I was going to make before I made them and she knew when I was keeping something from her. I could tell my mother any and everything and not worry about her judging me but giving me the best advice that she could give. My mother is my everything, and I will always have a close relationship with her.  I love my mom with all my heart!

I have a close relationship with my daddy as well, but it is different from the relationship I have with my mom. My dad is always there for me when I need him. He calls to check on me and to give me a word of advice, encouragement, or just to talk. He motivates me to pursue my dreams. He still treats me like his little girl. We go to the movies together and I enjoy the time we spend when it is just us. He gives me plenty of spiritual advice. I love my dad!

I only highlighted three people that I have a close relationship with. However, I have a close relationship with my three children, my three siblings, my grandparents, my aunt, and my best friend. Each relationship is different but I love them all. With losing my mother, I have learned to cherish, value, and respect each relationship, and to not take them for granted. Relationships are important and everyone needs to have at least one person they can have a positive relationship with. I’ve learned that relationships are give and take. The relationships I have had and still have taught me a lot. They have transformed me into the person I am and I am proud of that person.