Thinking about 2023

Have you chosen a word for 2023? We think and think and want to make changes for the new year. I have chosen a word for the year for the past several.

This year I have chosen the word “Innovative”. The meaning is….introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking, featuring new methods; advanced and original.

My thought is to continue to use what I know. I feel as myself and an Occupational Therapist, I am innovative. I need to honor that skill, build on it and use it.

I need to be “ME”. That creative and innovative individual. I strive to help others be authentic and innovative in their own unique way.

Yep, it's Summer

Summertime.

Adjectives that describe summer could be-

muggy

hot

serene

beautiful

calm

bright

hazy

hot

fun

exciting

family oriented

……………so many more. Hope everyone is having a great, delightful and fun summer!

We all face challenges and struggles

Was thinking about struggles today. We ALL face challenges and struggles. Then, thinking about the word for the year. PERSEVERANCE. I continue to need to remind myself that the definition of perseverance is - persistence in doing something despite difficulty of delay in achieving success.

And as that little voice is my head was talking this week, and often is…..that we need to remind ourselves of the small accomplishments. We, at times don’t see the progress we are achieving. But often, others make comments, little signs are presented, to help you move forward. Accept those small successes. And stay positive throughout the journey.

Those that I work with are the best at providing those nudges. One of the clients, who LOVES to be busy, as soon as he saw me, his first engagement was “What are we doing today?” He is truly committed to being a part of our journey, making connections , finding opportunities and sharing his gifts with others.

MY job and mission is to continue to mentor, find connections, others to support him and others, and provide opportunities to feel supported and noticed.

It is a struggle, but we need to persevere. So maybe through this journey of facing the challenges and struggles we can take the scenic journey to our destination.

Inclusion

I was reading an article about Inclusion for ALL.

Diane Richler of Inclusion International stated that “inclusion is about creating a better world for everyone” So true. Was checking our a place here in Cleveland area …..Preston’s Hope, an all inclusive play space. NIce!

Then was thinking about other outdoor areas in the area. Connecting for Kids has compiled a really nice list of parks that have access. Then, more thoughts and thinking about the adults that I interact with. What parks or outdoor spaces are accessible for them? I am not sure. I NEED to research this more.

If any of my friends know of such spaces, help me create a list!! As summer is here, although outdoor spaces can be appealing in many of the seasons here, it makes me think of this more.

Let’s help so many more have inclusion - opportunities and the resources for those that could benefit. Consider the following 7 Pillars of Inclusion.

1. Access

2. Attitude

3. Choice

4. Partnerships

5. Communication

6. Policy

7. Opportunities

I will continue to explore and have continued conversation and dialogue with many. Please help me along the way. What a difference this could make in the lives of so many.

More transformation

Finished the journal and have inspired more. Continued transformation for others. And in the process, great conversation on what we can do with the completed journals. Won’t share now, but so exciting to see others have ideas and so much fun in the process. Stay tuned!!!

Special Mother

Transformation continues......

The butterfly continues it’s transformation.

The process of new skill attainment can be frustrating and hard. We….well I mean ME, can get frustrated and be hard on myself. I find that to be true with many of my friends. As we learn new skills, we are hard on ourselves for not accomplishing the task as quickly as we perceive that we should be able to! We get frustrated and we might tell ourselves we are not good enough. But we need to remember that we can persevere, learn something new and watch the transformation happen.

As I am sharing this with you, I am learning how to sew again, working on just enjoying the process, and watching the piece of “art” transform. No, it is not exactly the way it should be…..well maybe it is. It might be just what was expected right now in this period of transformation in this learning process.

As I work with my friends, I am reminded to continue to embrace each step of the way. Even if we stumble a bit, make a mess, create chaos………it is all part of the transformation as we persevere in moving forward.

During this time of learning, many ideas, thoughts are shared. I like when dialogue and conversation ensues during this time.

Persevere and transform

This is the start of a project I am going to work on with friends. I was thinking about the butterfly and our word for the year of perseverance. I am working on perseverance with taking some courses, and learning new fun ways to create with napkins and fabric and more. For me, this is going out of my comfort zone, but continue to work on perseverance.

Was doing some reading and these points resonated with me.

*The butterfly is the goal

*Persevere today, if not achieving the reevaluate your approach

*Growth takes time

*Growth can be painful

*Remember to rest and relax, and return refreshed

For some of my friends, these recent times have been very challenging. So many hiccups and changes to the routine and schedules to count. It can be frustrating for many, but we have to persevere. We need to remember to take our time and transform like a caterpillar and become a butterfly. Learn and experience new.

So, as I share the “new” with folks stay tuned as our butterfly with persevere and transform!

Another fun Saturday.

What can start as a mess can begin to change into something funky and fun! These are not done yet, so stay tuned, check back and enjoy! Creating, and making choices.

What was so great this week, is that several folks that had not participated recently, have begun to share interests and show desire to be part of a group.

We worked on connecting with some new folks. This has continued through a virtual platform, but that is ok. So GREAT!

Sharing Sunday!

Sharing is what my friend LOVES to do. Creating rocks, cards and art to share with others and put a smile on their faces. Loves to keep busy!! Keeps me thinking, creating and smiling too! Remember we love to share happy mail with others. Let us know if their is someone you would like us to send a "smile" to. Message us!

Celebrating connections

Let’s celebrate the new season. Spring has arrived! I think of this as a great time to look forward….as new growth, change of renewed sense of hope for aspirations and ideas.

Make this time of the year what you want it to be. Think out of the box, create and encourage new ideas. Reach out and make connections with others.

We have done just that! Remember those rocks that were painted…..well they have traveled and reached destinations to add a smile to a few folks. Those that created them felt the excitement about them too!

Sharing Time

We have been busy this week. We took a bit of a break from creating. Lots of packaging work was done to send out fun little surprises. Sharing kindness and putting a smile on someone's face is so exciting.

One of the folks, as he is going through the rocks, eyes the birthday rock and exclaims "MY birthday is coming up next week!" Note to self.. keep that rock and share with him on his special day.

This is one way of how we share! This time of sharing has been so important to the folks that I have the opportunity to carve out time in the day to be with. Even if we only gather for an hour or 2, creating, talking, joking and connecting with others…..well it is time well spent for all!

We are sharing smiles all around!

Spring ahead!

We got to enjoy the first day of Spring and connect with friends. What is wonderful in using technology is that we could connect with friends in our own state, in Indiana and as far as Colorado! How awesome is that!!!!

The folks got to share thoughts, ideas, their creations and more.

When we work on finding an individual’s A Place 2B ME, the idea of connecting with those who have similar interests are front and center in our planning.

We got so excited that we missed a picture of a few friends making connections. Oops. We will share those next time. When all, young and not so young are accepted for themselves, it can be just what was needed on this first day of Spring. Well, it is just what we need on any day, but for this breathing in the fresh air of a new season is perfect for now.

Can’t wait until they all can connect again. There were many thoughts, ideas, plans etc. discussed during these visits. Working together on how to share the works of art, how we feel when we are in the creating mood, working on opportunities to share fun times even though we only can connect virtually, and just sharing fun time with others.

But how exciting that we can connect to those all over the country right from the comfort of our own homes.

Do you feel a continued sense of opening up?

I am starting to feel like I can breathe a bit more. Do you? Hope you are feeling that sunshine peaking through and helping you enjoy a sense of calmness within yourself.

I am still following all the guidelines and protocols, but I feel I can venture more into reaching out to others. Just yesterday , I was able to connect with friends. We connected together and reached out to others virtually. Great day!

Remember those rocks that I posted a few weeks ago? Well, we worked on them again and they are beginning to morph into something beautiful.

As we begin to take a deep breath, maybe enjoy a few more connections, and as we all seem to morph a bit, let us enjoy the beauty around us. I am enjoying the connections with others. And appreciate their excitement in the opportunity to share, create and explore activities of choice.

Paths are beginning to open up

It will be a start to a new month. Can you believe it is March 2021?? We all have endured this craziness for almost a year now. For me, I feel like life is opening up a bit now. I am now able to visit my friends at the group homes a bit more. By following all of the precautions, and many receiving their vaccines, we can return now to a bit ….teeny bit of whatever we would call normalcy.

And during all of this, more paths for me have opened up. Maybe the slowing down a bit has opened my mind and eyes to other possibilities. Most in the creative sense. Finding new opportunities to be creative, and sharing those with others. And having the time to really find out what is important to others.

As life begins to open up a bit, I am dreaming of the possibilities of regaining some ability to plan some in person gatherings safely. I am being guided by what I feel comfortable with as well as those that I work with. Wearing masks, physical distancing, cleaning surfaces, hands and tools have become the norm.

I am thankful for those that continue to follow us on Facebook, comment on our posts, have reached out through emails etc. We are still here for you, thinking about you, and continue to dream and plan.

So, we will keep clearing the path and moving forward, even ever so slow. Slow and steady is ok with me! Remember together we can find our A Place 2B ME!

We always like hearing from friends. Sharing what is important to them, their ideas and dreams. Looking forward to hearing from others and seeing you as well.

What do you see?

What do you see? If you said a bunch of rocks…..maybe with paint on them, you would be right. You might think….but they aren’t done or finished yet . You would be right. But, these rocks were completed by a gentleman, by himself, without assistance! And, he was so proud of completing these and letting me know that he did this.

When we paint these rocks, they often take on a life of their own. What starts with a basic “canvas”, evolves into whatever that person painting the rock chooses. One person may start, another do a part and then another might even finish the art. So, these rocks might just be starting their journey in the creative path.

But what I like most is that he was allowed to complete this task just as he desired. He decided when they were finished for him. He expressed that he couldn’t wait to see what happens with these rocks, and will be excited to see the finished product. We handed these rocks over to others to take it on it’s art journey. Then, after others had put their artistic flair into these, they went back to my friend. He really liked packaging the rocks and making choices on who could receive these little bits of inspiration.

We sure hope those that receive these enjoy them, and maybe share smiles with others as well.

If you would like us to share one of our creations with you, or someone else, just let us know.

Have heart

On this Valentine’s Day 2021, I encourage my friends to “have heart”.

YOU, WE, US, can stay strong throughout this time.

Lately, I find myself getting stuck a bit on the negative. Getting frustrated with others and myself. Aargh!!

Then I have to remind myself to PERSEVERE. Yep, that word I chose for myself and my friends this year. We can do just that, by putting one foot in front of the other. And for me, taking pause, taking a deep breath and quieting my mind for a moment.

We need to “have heart”. Being courageous, being determined, being strong and having faith in ourselves.

So, on this Valentine’s Day 2021, give yourself some continued and well deserved self-love.

Self-love

Self-Love

*Give yourself some quality time.

*Say out loud or to yourself a positive affirmation.

*Find what YOU like to do.

*Find those activities that let you celebrate YOU.

Persevere to find more of YOU.

Clearing the mind

Clearing our mind. Yes, so much clutter in there this week and creating obstacles . So, today my friends, just relax and be kind to yourself. The clutter and obstacles for me are compounded by our inability to gather together in person. We are making the best of meeting through virtual visits, but for many this is not the same. Instead of feeling so down, frustrated and almost mad, I am thinking about how wonderful it will be to finally be together. We have been weathering this storm for almost a year now, and we have the perseverance to keep going, waiting our turn to be safe to gather together, to have fun. For now, we do our best.

Possibilities and perseverance

This has been a week full of thoughts… that I think have been common for many.

I read a quote today from Scott Barry Kaufman ..

Every person on this earth is full of great possibilities that can be realized through imagination, effort and perseverance.

There were those words. Possibilities and perseverance.

And then I thought of my word for the year - PERSEVERANCE

I have set an intention, a goal for myself during this year. I want to run a 10K, 6.2 miles during my 62nd year! It IS possible for me to accomplish this goal through perseverance. I need to remind myself that I have set this goal and that I have MANY months to accomplish. I have to persevere through thoughts of “not good enough, too old, getting in my head that I just can’t…..and on and on.”

And, working with my friends through A Place 2B ME, we are finding many possibilities.

Finding that through new possibilities of connecting through the use of the internet, we are persevering in being open to new ways of interacting with others.

Being open to the possibilities of creating art and sharing with others. Persevering in learning that we all have the ability to be creative. And that it is fun be creative by ourselves or with others.

Exploring ideas and opportunities for connection through some deep thinking of what each person enjoys doing. And, for us, accepting those ideas and choices.

Imagine, create, move forward, dream, and explore. Be open to these possibilities that are presented to each and every one of us, and persevere.