So far, what I’ve learned from the pause is…
Pausing can be beneficial and connections are key.
The world needs a pause every now and then it allows us to focus on what is important and should be a priority instead of the things that we use to fill our days!
I have learned to embrace the pause. The first few weeks were difficult because I didn’t know how to slow down and just felt lost in the uncertainty. As time has gone on, I see the crazy pace of life and I want to be VERY careful not to go back to that craziness.
To slow down. To be intentional about reaching out, making connections, and trying to build and maintain community
There are so many personal tasks that I used to see as “important”, with this pause many of them, could not be done. It has really opened my eyes, as to what is important to me. I used to classify these tasks as a requirement for happiness. During COVID-19, not so much, which has made me rethink how I define happiness. This is probably the hardest and most rewarding time of my life, each day provides a new perspective.
I have learned about many disparaging communities and the needs young children and their families face in times of crisis as well as inequities that exist among communities, counties, and states.
Families are capable of caring for their own children. Social connections are the key to intellectual growth. Technology has a place to help us connect. Dedicated people are incredibly creative.
I will help what’s next be better by…
Learning from the present, planning for what’s next, rather than focusing on the past.
Remembering that life continues even when we sit still.
Making me better. I have begun a new rhythm to life. I have learned to really listen to what is being said and what is being implied. I have learned to question and not necessarily come up with ‘the answer’. I have learned deeper relationships are more important than lots of superficial relationships.
Using the new beginning as an opportunity to put in place new practices and policies, and make improvements. Letting go of some old mindsets and being free to try new things. Staying positive and optimistic. Doing more coaching, and building on staff strengths.
Expecting nothing and being open for anything :-). A loose hold on my expectations!
Thinking deep about the impact of children and families and the implications that such actions have on other systems.
Encouraging deep thinking even in crisis. Promoting that the balance of SEL, cognitive learning, physical learning and Health/safety are not frozen but extremely fluid and equally significant to wholeness. Facilitating larger community goals/values alignment with individual program goals/values.
