Relationships are important to me because they provide a connection, and an invaluable resource with which I can depend and rely upon. As a person who comes from a large family, one that includes a growing network of extended family, I am also profoundly connected to people I affectionately refer to as chosen family--my friends. I do not take for granted the many great relationships I have maintained throughout my life. Some of which started-out as partnerships, on a professional level, and later evolved into lasting friendships. The relationships within my immediate family are what sustains, and fortifies me. I am very Blessed to say I know what true love feels like; with them, I am free to be myself, give and receive love without limits.
Relationships are an integral aspect of a child's growth and development. Learning how to connect with others and create meaningful relationships will affect their social emotional development throughout their lifespan. It was through relationships that I developed along the way, and involvement in local community service projects at my Church, Girl Scouts and the National Urban League, that I began to view the world differently. I am extremely grateful for those experiences, as it taught me empathy, selflessness and developed within me a broader perspective in terms of how I view myself in the world.
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Unconditional love, trust, unwavering support, loyalty, and commitment are the common threads in all of my relationships; they motivate me as an early childhood professional. It is because I have a deep understanding of what it is to be loved, that I can show compassion towards others. I understand that relationships can be established with a teacher or classmate, a coach or even a neighbor. When I am afforded the opportunity to reciprocate and/or facilitate one--or, all of the characteristics I experience in my relationships, I feel truly grateful.
I am always so moved by the power of your words. Your writing is not just words on a page or computer. It is a total reflection of your inner spirit which defines who you are as a person. I am truly honored and privileged to have come to know you through our class. All of the characteristics that you have acquired through your relationships with your family, friends and extended family members will (without a doubt) be reinforced in your work with children and families. Thank you for sharing who you are with everyone!
ReplyDeleteYour "story" makes it so clear why healthy, supportive, loving relationships are imperative to young children's sound development. Without them, we grow up broken and not whole. We then carry these deficits into all our relationships as we grow up. But if we have strong relationships when we are young, like you, we feel empowered and capable as adults. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and blessings with the rest of us. xoxo.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about how healthy relationships are important to a child's development. I love my children dearly and I make sure that I am supportive of whatever they are doing. I am involved in their educations and I do everything for them.
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