Erin's Journals

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Just a thought… What we see depends mainly on what we look for. [John Lubbock]

Hello! And off the top, if you missed yesterday’s journal because you usually come here through the link I post daily on my Facebook page, you can find it here. Don’t miss the eagle cameo at the end. I missed one little click while posting in advance to FB and so the post didn’t show up. I think you’ll find it thought-provoking as many did. I may do a follow-up on your perspectives in days to come.

But today, I would like to give someone else’s thoughts a spotlight. I saw this the other day and in light of news Tuesday of Ontario cancelling public school classes for the remainder of this screwy school year, I wanted to share it. It was written by Jaime Ragsdale on a website called altogethermostly.com. A different way to turn the prism and see new light.

What if instead of falling “behind” this group of kids is advanced because of this? Let’s talk about helping our kids during social distancing.

Hear me out.

What if they have more empathy, they enjoy family connection, they can be more creative and entertain themselves, they love to read, they love to express themselves in writing.

What if they enjoy the simple things, like their own garden and sitting near a window in the quiet. What if they notice the birds and the dates the different flowers emerge, and the calming renewal of a gentle rain shower?

What if this generation is the ones to learn to cook, organize their space, do their laundry, and keep a well-run home?

What if they learn to stretch a dollar and to live with less? What if they learn to plan shopping trips and meals at home.

What if they learn the difference between want and need?

What if they learn the value of eating together as a family and finding the good to share in the small delights of the everyday?

What if they are the ones to place great value on our teachers and educational professionals, librarians, public servants and the previously invisible essential support workers like truck drivers, grocers, cashiers, custodians, logistics, and health care workers and their supporting staff, just to name a few of the millions taking care of us right now while we are sheltered in place?

What if among these children, a great leader emerges who had the benefit of a slower pace and a simpler life. What if he or she truly learn what really matters in this life? Let’s talk about helping our kids during social distancing

What if they are ahead?

Thank you for coming by and sharing in these daily “chats” we’re having. I’ve a lovely performance for you here on Friday (Video Vendredi – is that too much of a stretch?). Let’s just get through one day at a time and I’ll be back with you tomorrow!

Rob WhiteheadWednesday, May 20, 2020