A Message From Our Executive Director
Where the Sidewalk Ends
There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins.
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.
~Shel Silverstein
Listen to our children as they are full of life and live in a world of joy. With the new calendar year upon us, think of our little ones as we consider some worthy resolutions for 2015.
Kick the Habit… The time is now to get rid of vices. Whether it’s smoking, biting your nails, being a procrastinator, eating too much chocolate (well, that one’s questionable), being too engrossed in our cell phones, or raising our voices at our children (for the children they know), we need to consider picking up positive habits instead. 2015 hopefully will be the year that you start counting calories, going to the gym more, getting your drawers and closets organized, and spending more time together as a family.
Get Away More… Don’t put off for later what you can do now. This summer, Codie and I took a jaunt down to Yellow Springs, this adorable hippy town in Greene County, Ohio where we stayed overnight in a charming bed and breakfast. This mini-vacation was rejuvenating and so much fun. Next week, the two of us are off to London and Paris for our first (of hopefully many) major trips together. The memories that we will make from our time together will last a lifetime. Whether it’s an overnight or a couple weeks, being together with your loved ones is so valuable. Treasure this time!
Find Ways to Bring Happiness in Your Life… Happiness takes several forms for different people. I found an untitled article on Facebook that provides us with four ways to put this into place. First, train your mind to notice what makes you happy. If being happy was a full-time job, you’d put at least 40 hours a week into it, right?
Second, find time to meditate. From my years working with teens, I have always pushed the idea of putting positive thoughts into your head. Whether it’s looking in the mirror telling yourself that you are worthy or just closing your eyes and taking deep breaths, meditation takes many forms and is incredibly powerful.
Next, become aware of the world around you and how people influence and affect you. Try to surround yourself with optimistic people and their hopefulness and cheerfulness will rub off on you.
And finally, rid yourself of angst, leaving the place where the smoke blows black. Train your brain to become more open and to build a positive attitude. Put anxiety at bay and work through issues with those who you trust and who have your best interests at heart.
In the coming year, let’s follow the chalk-white arrows. We’ll open our minds and look for the signs to find the place where the sidewalk ends. By seeking the end of the sidewalk, we find adventures ready to be conquered. Codie joins me in wishing you a very uplifting and exceptional year ahead,
Renee Higer
Executive Director