Joy!

Yeterday, I had the opportunity to work with about 10 students and 4 teachers from an alternative high school. We were on the ropes course all day - beautiful, but a little chilly. Coming out to work, setting up with some of my friends/colleagues, I was really in touch with how joyful I felt just to be outside and doing this work! So much of what I do is based on providing people with an opportunity to have a positive experience - and to learn something about themselves and others in the process. The students and faculty yesterday came with a variety of intentions, most of them positive, and together, we managed to create a pretty good day! Sometimes, students who are directed to "alternative" school, for whatever reason, aren't recognized for all of their strengths. While yesterday was not everyone's "cup of tea," many students chose to challenge themselves by climbing, coaching one another, and providing assistance on my "belay team." For those who were not as engaged in the process, the faculty was able to provide alternative opportunities, such as taking a walk in the beautiful woods, getting supplies for the group, etc, and supporting their efforts to provide assistance and try events when they chose to. We did it together and could not have succeeded otherwise...a collaborative effort!