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PLAY
Summer is officially here and I love it! The longer days when there is plenty of sunshine produce laughter and joy just being outdoors. Recently, some of my family went camping. One of my greatest joys of the trip was watching my grandson play. He was an explorer, a cowboy, a fisherman, and an astronaut. He was in his element, just being.
Truly, one of the highlights of play is to be in the moment. One is not thinking of a past problem or a future decision. Play, by definition, is spontaneous activity. For children, play is their "work." They experience the world through play. Of course, as we grow up, play takes on different meanings. Sports are one way we play, although they can get pretty serious and the fun may get lost. We play games of all kinds to relax and connect us to others.
In my work as a counselor, I often ask how people have fun. Some people can't remember when the last time was! There is a sadness to that because play and fun are valuable ways to relate with others especially our family. Playing with your kids-- even though there is homework to get done, the dinner to get on the table or the lawn mowed-- is one of the most valued activities a parent can do with their children. Couples forget to make fun a priority in their relationship. It is one incredible way to create intimacy.
Summertime is a time for fun and play. It is good for the soul, good for relationships and good for the heart. Enjoy! Have fun. |
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Inspiration
Play is the expectation of the possible.
-Martin Buber
The true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task gardener; heaven is a playground.
--G.K. Chesterton
It is a happy talent to know how to play.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
In our play we reveal what kind of people we are.
--Ovid |
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"Smiles"
Why did the student eat his homework? The teacher told him it was a piece of cake.
A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he played in his backyard. Wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world," he announced.
Then, he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed.
"Strike one!" he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down he swung again and missed. "Strike two!" he cried.
The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
Again he tossed the ball in the air and swung at it. He missed, "Strike three!"
"Wow!" he exclaimed, "I'm the greatest pitcher in the world."
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Blueprint for Success
 Mary Ann Van Buskirk is a keynote speaker and author and has been selected from a nationwide search to be featured in Blueprint for Success, a highly successful book series from Tennessee based Insight Publishing. The book features best-selling authors Stephen R. Covey (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) and Ken Blanchard (One Minute Manager.) Van Buskirk, Blanchard and Covey, are joined by other well-known authors and speakers, each offering time-tested strategies for success in frank and intimate interviews.
Mary Ann Van Buskirk, M.A., M.Div. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and co-founder of Positive Coaching with over twenty years of experience as a counselor, trainer and national speaker. People who have worked with her report vast improvements in their abilities to relate in healthier ways at home and at work. Success is a result of healthy relationships. |
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Workshops & Seminars
Mary Ann offers workshops on a variety of relationship topics.
303-692-8006 today! |
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Mary Ann Van Buskirk
Life Dimensions |
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