Stepping Back to Move Forward

In the early years as youngsters we spent our days on the playground where we were first introduced to conflict resolution within our peer group; unless of course we had siblings close to us in age. There at the playground we were also taught the differences among our peers as we were developing our individual social skills. When came the time to graduate from the playground, and mind you some of us certainly graduated earlier than others, we knew with confidence that we were ready to step from the sandbox and onto the busy street.

On occasion kiddies crawl from the sandbox before is their time. They make it on the fringes of society, shit talking and never being heard. It's unfortunate really, for had they stayed on the playground a little longer, they might have been better prepared for all the conflict of the busy street. And, maybe a little more time among their peers would provide a basis by which to resolve conflict with their elder, more experienced cohorts, as well as with those peers who picked up more than sand in the sandbox.

Life on the busy street is complex and at times it seems to work against us. This is its nature. The hustle and bustle of the street adds confusion to the playground child. The busy traffic contrasts the mundane playground where life is cushioned by a periphery of sand. Now the playground child must step onto the asphalt with care, as not to get struck by a passing car. He will experience the occasional brush with steel, and failing to recognize that it was he who stepped into it, he will criticize its very existence. It is difficult developing the skills of the busy street without first having had some sand in the face.

For those who have attempted the crawl before their time, be sure to keep your sense about you when confronting those of the busy street. The asphalt and steel are far harder than sand; and remember that those skills learned on the playground are extremely beneficial throughout life. Should you feel that the busy street is too tough, maybe take a step back into the sandbox. Reflect on what could have been learned there. What were your conflicts? Did YOU resolve them or did someone step in for you, not allowing a teachable moment to YOU? Life is not easy, but it is made easier when you know how to take a hard blow, process it, and grow from it.

However, life is full of choices. One may chose the sheltered, mundane life of the playground, or one may chose to step forward and onto the street where paths intersect and options are wide. The intent here is not to criticize a particular choice, rather it is to remind those who feel stagnant or trapped within the confines of the sandbox, to take a chance on yourself and figure out that lesson you didn't learn way back when. Learn it now and own it. Step out into the world not as the playground child, but as the street kid with eyes wide, and ready for life and all it has to show you. Life is for living, so don't waste it on the mundane playground for too long! And, always be sure to give that kid in you some love.