It was a perfect “between the busy” moment spent with Hockey Bob. An opportunity to talk about the past week, share funny stories and just enjoy being together on our walk to the Chelsea Farmers Market at the new Palmer Commons event space (304 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118).
The wind blew lightly as we Continue reading “Chelsea Farmers Market at Palmer Commons”
You’ve seen the ranting articles. The ones railing against the cost of youth sports, the toll they take on family time, the debates about whether a single sport should be year round and the arguments to support multi-sport kids. Then there are the articles about the parents. You know, those crazy sports parents. The ones that drive an hour and a half away 2-3 times a week for practice, that incessantly badger their kids to get in that mystical 10,000 hours, for perfection. Not to mention the ones that are truly crazy, and apt to be removed from the rink/field/court.
Don’t get me wrong – when your child is on a winning team, it’s exciting, and FUN. If your child is an integral part of said winning team, it’s positively intoxicating.
The articles argue the extremes. I may be considered one of those crazy sports parents, but when your child loves the game, how can you help but get wrapped up??
All of that said however, our family has never lost sight of all of the far more important things gained from participating in youth sports – the lessons, the sportsmanship, the responsibility and teamwork, but most of all, the pure JOY it brings your child. (If it doesn’t bring your child joy, please rethink your motives)
So for now just forget about the extremes, and take a look at what I think youth sports should look like.
See those happy faces? THIS is what it’s all about.
Recently I braved the frigid cold of Chelsea Michigan on a Saturday morning with an adventure pal of mine to take our first class at Breathe Yoga Chelsea. I say adventure pal, because this whole yoga thing is a stretch (pun intended) for two fluffy, non-bendy old ladies. We were not sure what to expect, and were a little nervous – were we wearing the right thing? Would we be faced with judgy flexible yoga people who were appalled that we could barely get our jackets off without breathing heavy, let alone touch our toes?
Walking in the front door, the immediate greeting from desk personnel was a warm smile and encouraging words, and I thought…this might be ok.
Matt was our instructor, and he assured us that there would be modified poses for those of us who were a little “challenged” by the moves in his class. He was kind, and very understanding of our limitations. Before class we discussed the alternate moves and what we could expect.
And then we got started!
Those who know me in person are most likely aware that I am an “out loud observer”. So throughout the class, I had an extremely difficult time listening, as I was expending so much energy simply trying to keep my mouth shut. Don’t judge, we all have traits we need to work on. I will proudly say, that only ONCE did a “yeah, sure we will” escape my filter in response to the instruction.
The class was certainly challenging, even in the modified poses – but I know that very often things that are difficult for me are things that I just need to practice more. And I definitely need more flexibility – in mind, body and life in general.
One thing my adventure pal and I agree on, is that we will arrive much earlier for our next class at Breathe Yoga Chelsea – because the only thing worse than being a fluffy, non-bendy old lady in a yoga class, is doing it in front of the rest of the class, right next to the instructor. (kind as Matt is, I’m pretty sure he didn’t enjoy my “yoga face”. Gah.)
Bottom line? Breathe Yoga Chelsea was a warm, inviting and challenging environment – exactly what this fluffy lady needed, and I can’t wait for round 2. Thank you for that Breathe Yoga staff!!
(Image by Burrill Strong, courtesy of Breathe Yoga Chelsea, used with permission)
Remember Flat Stanley? You can read about his last adventure here, when Alex sent him to Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. Most recently, our family was requested to host him right here in Chelsea, Michigan, so the Flat Stanley adventures continue!
A big thank you to sweet Dayton for sending Flat Stanley here – we had a great time with him, and hope he enjoyed his visit.
Flat Stanley returned to Dayton with the following letter:
