Mission Transmission

Yep, I said transmission and not transition. I have a mission to bring fun and energy to the elderly and disabled. This video shows part of my mission - Dancing Hands. www.dancinghandtaps.com

Self-expression

What does someone do when in a wheelchair with Alzheimers? I am seeing it where I work. How can they express themselves so they feel somewhat whole? I believe it is through art and music. I see it more recreational than creating masterpieces. I have been providing paint for people in nursing homes and watching them express themselves. It is an awesome thing to see the before and after on their faces after spending time in front of an easel watching colors flow from their brushes.

It's in "being"

When I think about all the things I think I should do....and all my talents that I think I should use, I get hyper and confused. What is life all about anyway? Is it in being busy? How do I rest? It is not in the "doing". It is in the "being". As I continue to yield my being to my creator, and his being, I pray that I can rest.

Sorrow and Joy

Working in a nursing home is a mixture of sorrow and joy. Today, we planted a garden with the featured favorite....tomatoes. Two months is a long time to wait to harvest those tasty treats. Many residents who were in wheelchairs watched as the plants went in. That was the joy part. The sorrowful part was that they could not get up and dig. They have tried to accept what they cannot do. We put big bowls of dirt chunks in their laps and they were able to break it up with their hands enjoying with all of their senses the damp dirt that would house the plants.

Conflicts

I am trying my hardest to get along with certain people. If I am going to live anywhere around people, I must learn to communicate well and work through conflicts. I get impatient with the way some people think. My own thinking isn't always right....I suppose. My brain can only go so far in its thinking and reasoning powers...so it goes with every brain that I try to understand. Patience.....

Transitioning from Albuquerque to Phoenix

When I travel, I like to have a car so I can come an go on MY schedule. That did not happen on my recent trip. I needed a car so I could drive 7 hours to Phoenix. I was a little concerned with driving by myself for that long, and the long dry stretch. All rental cars had been taken, so I reserved a spot on a Greyhound bus. I resisted it all, until I realized that I took the worry away because of the drive. I could sleep and leave the driving to the driver. There was quite a bit of disturbance on the bus and it wasn't totally fun, but I would do it again...for the adventure of it all. Sometimes things work out different for a reason.

Consistent Living

Yesterday, I turned in all my requirements to be licensed as a Nursing Home Activity Director. I now have a certificate. After the intense hours of class and practicum, I was on a real high. Today, I am deflated. I'm OK, it just happens after something that intense. I have learned to not give my emotions that much credibility, because I have a life to live consistently and purposefully....and my emotions can do what they want. They are a part of life...and sometimes fun.