Summer is here and it’s hotter than blazes outside. The outlook for the rest of the week here in Phoenix, AZ is a high of 105 to 108 degrees.
When I was a child growing up here, I don’t ever remember it being that hot outside. But then again, I spent a lot of time indoors during the summer. I remember playing with Barbie, cooking with my Easy Bake Oven, playing dress-up and all the things that girls liked to do back then. When it wasn’t too hot outside, I was riding my bike or skateboard, or playing softball in the street, hide-and-seek or hop-scotch with my friends. Life’s simple pleasures…the simple life.
Regardless of where you live, children like to play. Whether indoors or outdoors, it’s an essential part of children’s development. It encourages creativity, problem-solving and socialization skills.
So what do kids like to do these days during summer vacation when they don’t want to go outside and play? My guess is they like to play with their Nitendo, Xbox, PlayStation and Wii, right? Whatever happened to the days of Barbie, GI Joe and model airplanes? The answer is technology!
As adults, we can’t live without our modern devices. Imagine if we went back in time just 15 to 20 years ago when cell phones were a novelty. We did just fine without them – we used maps for directions, mailed letters to our friends, and used a pay phone (or walked) when we needed help on the side of the road.
Now, technology is a necessity. As you walk through the airports, drive down the street, or shop in the grocery store, everyone’s talking to someone on their cell phone.
Over the last 50 years, we have moved away from the simple life to hard-core technology – text messaging, social networking, and blogging (yes…here I am). We rely on our phones and computers to get us around and do everything for us. We don’t have to do anything for ourselves anymore because we have computers to do it for us.
Our cars come equipped with GPS navigation systems to tell us where to go, backup cameras so we don’t run over anyone backing out of the driveway, sensors to help us parallel park, and DVD players to keep the kids entertained in the back seat.
We have become very dependent on our technology, and very lazy. Many believe it’s faster to send text messages back and forth than it is to pick up the phone and have a conversation. It’s a change in our social conditions that encourages and requires this type of behavior in order for us to keep up with modern day life. Simplicity is gone and technology has taken over…or has it?
So, I ask you this…can you bring back some of the simple life? I’m not talking about giving up your cell phone, computer or custom features on your vehicles. I’m talking about engaging your children or grandchildren in creative, imaginative play during the summer where they are not sitting in front of the TV watching cartoons or playing video games?
Research conducted at the Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, Washington found that there is a correlation between television and video games and the influx of attention deficit [hyperactivity] disorders in children. The short flashes of information they receive programs their brains to think and act like television – jumping from one thing to another in short segments.
My challenge to you is to bring back some simplicity in your life with your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Sit down and put together a jigsaw puzzle, play hide-and-go-seek, have fun with a science project or read a book together. I think we have all gotten away from the simple pleasures of life, but it’s not too late to get them back. Teach your children and grandchildren the importance of creativity and imagination. Pretend! Pretend that you live on a prairie in 1875 when there were no TVs or video games. Give them a taste of history and an opportunity to exercise their creative minds and spirits. Reduce some of the stress of modern day living and enjoy a taste of the simple life!
What an enjoyable day spending Easter with grandchildren! Watching them scurry around the backyard looking for Easter eggs is always such a treat. They ran around searching behind bushes, in trees, under rocks and behind lawn decorations with their Easter baskets in hand. “I found one! I have six,” one rejoiced. “I can’t find any more!” another replied.
I still recall the smell of the spring flowers, the sound of the birds the excitement of wearing my new Easter attire to church on those special Sunday mornings. New dress, shoes, tights and purse – I couldn’t wait to wear them for the first time!
Then there was the eagerly anticipated egg hunt, after finding my basket that the Easter Bunny had left for me. Searching high and low for multi-colored hard-boiled eggs during a warm spring day always gave me a sense of adventure. Even though I had dyed the eggs the night before, I eagerly anticipated what color I would find next.
Afterward, the family would sit down for a nice Sunday dinner, being careful not to spill on my pretty new dress! I have fond memories of those days, but can still carry on some of those traditions with grandchildren. Sometimes it’s challenging with large families when trying to get everyone together at one place. When families are spread out and have other family gatherings to attend, it’s not easy to do. All we can do is to do our best.
Whatever your religious orientation or family structure, having traditions to carry on are a part of building fond memories and relationships with family.
What a year it has been! After serious consideration, my husband and I moved back to our home town (or home metropolis) of Phoenix, Arizona. Family brought us here originally, and family brought us back. We’ve been away for several years and the growth is phenomenal! I am not opposed to change, and as a matter of fact, I thrive on it. It keeps me motivated; it’s part of my personality.
I must admit, though, that this change was somewhat difficult. We left the beautiful Pacific Northwest that we loved so much to reside in the hot, dry desert once again. We are not fond of the climate, so it has been a big adjustment. The positives are being back home with our family that we’ve missed so much. So, other than the heat, the change has been good.
Some people do not handle change as well. It frustrates them and creates stress in their lives. However, change is all part of life and we must deal with it the best we can. If you are one who does not react well to change, you might find the following tips helpful when dealing with your transition:
- Understand that change is inevitable. Change happens and we often do not have any control of it.
- Recognize what part of the change frustrates you the most. Is it the lack of control of the situation, or the disruption of your routine?
- Identify a support system of people you can talk to about your feelings and frustrations. They can be family, friends, co-workers or a coach.
- Identify your strengths that can contribute to making the change happen. Be an active participant or facilitator of the change. Utilize your talents in the process.
- Keep an open mind about the change. You may find some amazing opportunities waiting for you!
- Identify the positive factors of the change. Look at the glass as half full instead of half empty. What are the benefits to this change?
Change can be frustrating to many people. It creates uncertainty, fear and anxiety. However, we can take an active role in making the transition easier. By following a few steps, we can take control of the situation creating a more positive and successful transition.
This year has flown by and before we know it, 2008 will be upon us. The holidays are rapidly approaching with Thanksgiving in just a few days. As we think about the holiday season and what it means to us, I would like to remind people to just be kind to one another. During the holiday season, people are often troubled over money, loved ones overseas and in the military, family matters and loss. Some are not in the best of spirits which may reflect in attitudes and behaviors. Remember that their reactions are not personally directed to you, but at the situation. We often lose site of the fact that we do not know what is going on in their life at that time. Showing a bit of kindness such as holding a door open, smiling or offering a hug could mean the world to them.
I had the pleasure of listening to a fabulous speaker by the name of Ann Schatz at an organizational meeting last week. She emphasized the true spirit of kindness and reminded us that even the simple things mean a lot. As we go through our day, we need to remember the basics of doing good deeds and lending a helping hand when needed. It may seem very small, but even the smallest token or assistance could mean the world to someone else.
In the words of Ettiene De Grellet: “I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
For more information and ideas on acts of kindness, go to http://www.actsofkindness.org
Peace
Individuals can often get stuck by personal and professional obstacles that prevent them from moving forward. Organizations, groups, teams and departments can exhibit similar obstacles due to personality conflicts, communication barriers and general stress in the workplace. As a coach, I can assist individuals and organizations in breaking through those barriers and building more cohesive relationships.
Personality differences are one of the primary causes for communication challenges, conflict and stress in an organization. By understanding and appreciating the differences of others, a more positive environment can be created leading to more cohesive teams, a positive culture and synergy within the organization.
There are many personality type assessments available; however, they are usually designed to recognize our preferred ways of communicating and interacting with people, our strengths, areas in which we need to build and the environment in which we prefer to live and work. When we understand ourselves, we are more likely to understand others.
