​Bootstraps and Other Metaphors

We have all heard the platitudes that tout hardship, suffering, toil, discomfort, and tribulations as necessary evils to becoming a responsible, moral, and, lest we forget, productive member of society.
 
Contrary to popular opinion, suffering through a task, for the sole purpose of building character, is nothing but punitive and coercive rhetoric, which only brings misery - not enlightenment or riches.  On the other hand, hard work, struggle, and herculean effort, when combined with personal aspirations, determination, and desire produces not only positive results, but happy, satisfied, intrinsically motivated, and genuinely innovative individuals who are working hard to make affirmative change in the world.  And, who are generally thrilled to build platforms to give others a hand-up towards achieving their dreams.  
 
When the lone reason for drudgery is simply about completing the job, or fulfilling a societal role, there is no joy, satisfaction, or creative spark to propel you onto the next challenge. In reality, misery only generates more misery – it does not produce knowledge, intelligence, strength, or for that matter, even, virtue.
 
Quitting is one way to definitively change course mid-stream, make adjustments, and modify your life plan when the original strategy is no longer viable. Leaving one venture behind, with intention, to seek out new opportunities, is not shameful and absolutely does not signify a weakness of character. It does, however, indicate an open mind, an ability to be flexible, a willingness to work through hardship, and often leads to new discoveries about yourself and your aspirations, as well as to the people who can provide encouragement and support.
 
Pulling yourself up by the bootstraps may not be physically or economically possible; however, no matter who you are or where you are from, there will always be a community who has your back.  You simply have to say, “here I am.”

This week’s FAQ
 
The one response we often hear when people first discover DRC is: We have to wait until the beginning of the next school year before we can join DRC, right?
 
You do not have to wait until your child finishes out a year.  We accept new students throughout the year.  Your child can leave school anytime during an academic year and we support you to do that by writing a letter of intent and Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), as soon as you make the decision. Often times, we are able to schedule a meeting and get them written the day you decide.
 
If school is truly not working for your child and they are intensely miserable, forcing them to complete the school year only intensifies the misery, anxiety, and unhappiness.  Giving a child the option to take charge of their education opens the doors for them to rise out of the situation that made them unhappy and begin to search out the things they want to focus on instead of dreading the things they have no interest in.  It gives them the freedom to relax, to breath, to drop their shoulders and masks, and to be themselves without fear of being ridiculed or punished. 
 
We are available to assist with that transition. Schedule an appointment today.

Summer Programs at DRC Last two weeks of August
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