Growing up, I’m sure I drove my family crazy being the “WHY” child. Now, do not get this confused with the WILD child! The whole concept of birthrights always comes up when we gather the clan, so much so that I joined forces with my mother this past Christmas; she bought the pajama bottoms and I purchased the tops for my siblings that read “I am the oldest child and I make the rules, I am the middle child, I’m the reason we have the rules,” and “I am the youngest child, the rules don’t apply to me!” I have always held my ground that being the “baby” made me question things more often. I am always looking for the best option. Work smarter, not harder!
COVID-19 is a definite “WHY” and one we have no answers to for ourselves, our families, our staff, and our residents/patients/clients! BUT, that doesn’t mean we cannot still question it and seek knowledge. As a parent, teacher, and leader, we should encourage our “why” personalities! There is no moment, decision, or challenge in our lives that we cannot learn from. Yes, that is what lifelong learning is all about! WE need to keep putting challenges out there, in front of yourself, families, friends, and co-workers. Do they have to be big challenges, or can they be small WHYs? I love pointing out to my 20-year-old son that we can now see the WHY behind washing your hands as it is helping to prevent COVID-19 germs. It’s not that we didn’t have germs prior to it, but now we have this pandemic to put personal hygiene front and center! We all have a lot to learn in this world and being given the opportunity to question it and learn from it is something incredible.
My challenge for myself this week was to try the cookie recipe on the back of the Gourmet Ghirardelli’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips package. A neighbor had given them to me stating they are the “high-end chocolate chips.” Now I have my tried and true Choc Chip recipe in my head, but I decided to see how this “gourmet” recipe stacked up! I will admit, I was questioning following the recipe and did have some “why” thoughts going through my head, especially at the end when I stood over the dough shaking my head at the softer consistency, thinking “yep…not good melting the margarine, and two cups of flour was not enough!” WOW was I right to stick to the recipe! I am proud of myself and my self-control. Those cookies were amazing!
CHALLENGES in life can be rewarding, so keep asking questions! Embrace your “why” children and encourage knowledge through education! CDM, CFPPs grow by continuing education, our professional development, the “WHYs” of our careers!
Stay healthy and sane everyone! #CDMsMatter