Relationship Reflection

I find this to be true in all relationships.  While the circumstances are all different, and the situations span over various lengths of time, the people we encounter in our lives are there for a reason.  We learn from each other and build better versions of ourselves through our interactions.  Relationships are not easy, and they require reciprocal effort.  They do not always last, but they are all a part of who we are today.

As I reflect upon my current relationships, I think about those friends and family who support me on a daily basis.  I think about my professional contacts and clients who cause me to work my hardest.  I think about people who have faded out of my life, and how my past interactions with them have resulted in building the platform which I stand on today. I realize that I am who I am through my gains from them.  I value each and every relationship for a multitude of reasons...

My family is my rock.  They challenge me to soar and keep me grounded all at the same time. I always have their unconditional love and support.  My husband, children, and mother have made the fulfillment of my dreams possible and I do my best to return the favor each and every day.  I truly cherish the times when we can slow down and truly appreciate each other. 

My friends provide another type of support.  I have a small, but incredibly valuable circle of friends.  We do not live near one another, but thankfully, due to technology we manage to stay close.  We are all busy professionals and mothers, who have very little time for phone calls and lunch dates, but somehow each and every time we talk we are able to pick up right where we left off.  On occasion, we have the luxury of planning small trips together, but sometimes it is just the perfectly timed card in the mail or posted flashback photo that restrengthens our bonds.  As life has taken us through some pretty difficult times, we have never faltered in our ability to hold each other up and I am thankful each and every day in knowing that they are there.

There is no doubt in my mind that I would not be where I am today without the professional relationships in my life.  When I first entered the world of early childhood education, I was fortunate to be surrounded by fellow educators who were all of similar mindset and never let their passion for the profession fade, even when faced with adversity.  Over the years we have all gone our separate ways, but have managed to keep in touch.  I know center directors, small independent preschool directors, Head Start teachers, women who dedicate their lives to infant development, fellow business owners, elementary school teachers, early intervention specialists and instructors.  Not only have I been able to maintain these relationships through periodic contact, scheduled visitations, referrals, and through the solicitation of professional advice, but I am working on building solid relationships with my children's teachers as well.  It is refreshing to be able to discuss the progress of my own children with the understanding that we all want what is best for them.  

The benefit of the children should always be the focus, which is why I operate my own facility in this fashion.  I have formed very strong partnerships with the families of the children in my care.  Even when challenging situations arise, we are able to have discussions regarding the best methods by which to proceed.  We share information and respect one another's opinions.  I have come to know each and every family quite well, both the nuclear family in the home and many of the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in extended families through school events, recitals, and birthday celebrations.  While I enjoy getting to know families because it helps me understand the children better, I think they feel more secure about the care of the child when they get to know me and my family on a more intimate level.  Through these partnerships, we can all feel confident that the child is in a safe, nurturing environment where they will thrive.   

As humans, we desire to have social interactions with others.  Our interactions may not always be positive, but they can all be learning experiences.  Not only have I learned in incredible amount from the relationships in my life, but I have also learned a great deal about myself.  As I move through life, I learn what works and what doesn't.  I can recognize when things need a little tweaking or are better left alone.  I understand that I need to build a better relationship with myself and that sometimes it is perfectly acceptable to want to be alone.  I feel that this type of reflection is integral to becoming a positive professional and maintaining our passions.  When we can grow from our foundations with the confidence to strike up a conversation with a stranger or set out on a new path, knowing that we have a base to fall back on, we can truly climb mountains.