First Grade Orientation!

I have a thought for you. This thought came from the same idea, that has popped in my mind on many occasions. You have all probably had the same idea at one time or another, but you and I, seldom, if ever, acted on it. You see something, anything, that would help those who are struggling, and you think. You think, "that," would help this person, though we know there are some we just can't reach.

We all work with those who think they have it all figured out. Those who will not ask for help, input, ideas, and/or direction. We all work with, or have worked with someone who never asked how this great idea will affect us tomorrow, next week, next month, etc. WE have all felt the awkwardness of trying to make someones questionable idea work. We have all felt this, when we were unable or unwilling to give feedback. It seems some of us are in this position again, and any of my fellow brothers and sisters reading this know where I am coming from.

Well, anyway, you may wonder where I am going, but I was in grade school the other day with my daughter.

I took my baby to first grade orientation and I saw the Rules to Live by Poster, All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten. The author, Robert Fulghum, has made a fortune on his writings, and could help those who think they have it all figured out. I am not talking about taking a nap at work, or warm milk and cookies in the lobby. No, we have to conduct business.

Simplicity. The single, simple, and elementary idea of simplicity. We all know things are not simple, but who in the world has to make something so simple, such a flop. So I think back to the poster, and remember the words: share everything, play fair, say you are sorry when you hurt someone, stick together, clean up your mess, live a balanced life etc.etc... There were no words to the contrary of taking care of your own.

Well, I will probably not send this poster to those I think it would help the most. I will not send the most simple words on a framed poster, as it may be thought of as demeaning. My original thought had no malice. It was just a thought of checks and balances for those who, may or may not have, once cared about positive direction. A thought of humility, and ones ability to forget that most of us "took the road less traveled by."

I, like most of you, am willing to learn. I am willing to learn from my 4 year old, and learn from the drunkard on the corner. I am willing to change for many good reasons, yet unwilling to send a poster of the basics of life, to those who most certainly have forgotten.

However, given the opportunity, any little bit of inspiration will hang on the new walls. We all owe that to one another.

IT'S ALL GOOD!