Will writing inspiration come to me on day 79? I was feeling this may be it but then, a super hero sista flew to the rescue!

I woke to a chill in the air and a set walking date with a sista 21 years my junior.

Our walk and talk was so invigorating both because I forgot a sweater and because the subjects we chatted about were grounded in philosophy, values and optimism.

A great portion of the conversation was about the importance of provocation. We need to be provocateurs. We need to be curious and dig deeper beyond the surface. My dear friend, who is trained in dramatic and fine arts, emphasized that is the power of art, that it provokes us to think and take on new perspectives. To stay open and question. We discussed the difference between provoking (causing others to reflect, assess and adjust thought) rather than poking (jabbing for a reaction). I agree with her that is so important for us to purposefully stand on our heads and look outside of our usual boundaries. As parents, I believe this is particularly important as we can become so engrossed in what we firmly believe is the truth and our perceived view of our child’s path that we forget it is their journey.

As our conversation continued we thought wouldn’t it be a good thing if high schools included a parenting course, possibly near graduation. It would be a mandatory course that would focus more at the psychology and values needed when parenting rather than the basic logisitical aspects of child care and family life. A course that might provoke reflection on developing understanding and empathy for their own parents.

So this has brought me to connect the ‘kindie dots’ to a series of texts I had with another young niece by marriage who is about to deliver her baby boy. We discussed the hopes that this time she might be given the opportunity of a vaginal birth. I texted, “Birth is the biggest hand off by nature from mom being in control, to the child starting their life journey.” Then she said, “It’s about letting go and letting our bodies and babies do their thing!” I think we spend a life time, learning to keep our mouths shut and let ‘our babies/kids’ work through their own journey lol.

Back to my walking sista, this young lady is a firecracker of inspiration. I watch her as a young mom and can’t help but notice that she is constantly watching her son coaching, redirecting, setting limits while giving him space to explore and make mistakes. She is incredibly grounded in thoughtful analysis of risk verses caution. She balances creativity and fun with structure and necessity while encouraging impulsive spontaneity with responsibility. She actively listens and thoughtfully responds. She is one of the best communicators on social media I have ever met, always returning messages in a most timely fashion. She is constantly challenging or should I say provoking other young moms to embrace their fitness and take action in self improvement by showing leadership in setting up support groups. To top it off she is actively involved in volunteering for and community youth organization. She’s a moma marine of substance and sunshine!

Thank you Shiela! Yes, let’s embrace not control our children’s journeys. An remember to look outside the box!

Quick Take Away Links: https://tecribresearch.wordpress.com/2019/11/02/thought-provocations-the-teacher-as-provocateur/