Good Hands Community

ShareMy Sparta

Stepping out of the classroom and into the brilliance of the midday sun, my eager young eyes beam excitedly at the vast landscape before me- a pristine layer of blacktop, complete with basketball hoops, a jungle gym set, slides, swings…and tanbark.

Oh, tanbark, ‘twas a bittersweet relationship we shared. To me, the substance was simultaneously the most familiar of friends and the worst of foes. Its musty, dusty scent cordially welcomed me to the playground each and every day, yet its piercing splinters were humbling reminders that I too, was not impervious to physical pain.

And yet, despite the bumps and bruises I collected over the years, I still always saw the playground as my domain. My kingdom.  My own little temporary utopia.

Each day, I’d step out onto the concrete battlefield, where (Four-Square) lines were drawn, alliances were formed (in Capture The Flag), and rites of passage were earned (if you managed to survive an entire session of dodgeball without getting hit, you were the MAN). “Recreation”? “Intermission”? “Playtime”? “Madness”? No. THIS…WAS…RECESS!!!






Played Out
Stumbling out of the office and into the fading glow of the setting sun, my weary young eyes stare blankly at the lot in front of me- only this time, all the playground amenities from my past are no longer visible. Instead of Four-Square lines, there are rows and rows of parking lines meant for employee cars. Instead of tetherball posts, there are lampposts meant for illuminating the lot past “normal” working hours.

Instead of awesome L.A. Gear shoes, that once made the wearer the envy of every other classmate, there are brown shoes that simply make the wearer just like every other coworker. I silently think to myself, “Where did all of the time go?”

It’s somewhat ironic to me, this whole “growing up” process - I was in such a hurry to do so when I was younger, only to later find that the best things about being a kid had somehow escaped me along the way. My boundless energy has noticeably faded, my carefree naïveté replaced by a cautious cynicism…I pay taxes now, for goodness’ sake!   My formerly contented demeanor has been gradually worn down and chiseled away by monthly bills, the daily grind of work, thoughts about the next step in my career…to put it simply, life in general.


Have You Had Your Break Today?

Back in the day, a well-respected teacher at my high school once issued us the following challenge- “Find three things that you really enjoy in life right now, and then make time in your schedules to engage in these three activities or hobbies every day, no matter how old you get.”

Looking back on his suggestion, I think I’m beginning to understand more and more his reasons for saying so. Not to say that there’s anything negative about growing up- on the contrary, there exists a profound sense of wisdom and appreciation for life that can ONLY come through having experienced it for a longer period of time. My teacher wasn’t implying that getting old is a bad thing, but rather, that staying young is a good thing that can really enrich one’s sense of perspective and enjoyment.

As was the case in most of our elementary school days, a recess of sorts is sometimes needed as a reprieve from the worries and concerns which can so quickly catch up to us. Whether it be in the form of a sport, instrument, or other pastime, an appropriate diversion not only allows us to separate ourselves from these burdens, but also recharge our batteries for another go-around.

The long-term benefits are valuable as well, as occasional breaks from mental strains and stresses will undoubtedly help prevent us from becoming psychologically worn out. And on the whole, we’ll not only be happier, but more creative, more inspired, and maybe just a little more ready for the curveballs life throws at us from time to time.

Hm…sorry, but it’s getting late…I’m going to drink an Ensure and go to bed so I can get up early for the Bingo marathon at my community center tomorrow.