Sh*t Happens

Sh*t happens. In my experience, it often hits with no provocation or even explanation. In many cases, we simply happen to be in the way - literal innocent bystanders covered from head to toe in splash-back. Other times, no matter how hard we try to avoid (escape from) drama, it finds us and pulls us dead center into the stinking heap of someone else's histrionics.

Unfortunately, I have found myself in both scenarios over the past few weeks - trapped and covered in other people's cr*p. It does not matter that I was not responsible for any of the circumstances. I dealt with it all professionally and calmly (hopefully, no one could see or hear my thumping heartbeat and splitting headache), with an extra large portion of empathy and kindness.

Did I keep all the raging tantrums internalized and hide my desire to throw up my hands in utter despair? Did I feel like my head and heart were going to explode? And was my smile pasted on the entire time? You betcha!

I can assure you I went through all of that and more. But in the end, I know my integrity and reputation will always rely on my thoughtful, compassionate response more than anything else. If I pitched fits, accused, retaliated, and smeared the person responsible for each situation or even took a stance of the victim, I would not be farther ahead, and no one would be served.

No matter how you find yourself in unsavory circumstances, you are fully accountable for your response - and it is what will be remembered by you and others.

Time reveals true character - good, bad, and ugly. Patience, as they say, is a virtue.

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Weekly Creative Meditation

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DRC News

We are super grateful that Sea Comm Federal Credit Union committed their dollars to supporting our student members. They are the first local company to participate in the DRC Sponsorship Program at the Life-long Learner Level. Thank you - Sea Comm!

* To learn more about supporting DRC through our Sponsorship Program please get in touch.

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@Whole-Learners (3034)
Comment - Unconditional Love with the person you are honoring.

The DRC Unconditional Love Fundraising campaign is here. At DRC, we embrace an attitude of radical inclusivity. We believe that Love is Love – period.
 
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The fourth DRC - True Story in the series. This quote can't be attributed to any one child. I hear, "are you OK?," asked several times a day. It is older kids asking younger kids, but it is also the five or six year olds checking in on the teens.

When people ask, "how is it possible to integrate 5-19 year olds in one space?" I am able to pull upon millions of examples. DRC creates a family like atmosphere. There is no hierarchy - everyone takes care of each other. And - "are you OK" - is just one of the many ways they do that every day.

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And as you can see, the kiddos at both Centers are happily cruising along - connecting with each other through their individual interests.