Lessons Learned, Lessons Taught - You Can Always Pivot

In my PE classes and basketball clinics I learned how to pivot on the court.  I am sure I used it a lot as I was one of the smallest, if not the smallest, on the court.  I remember that I needed to pivot when the direction I was dribbling got shut down by a defender.  By pivoting with my head up I was able to turn, look for help from a teammate, and keep moving toward the goal.  I have not used that lesson for a long time.  Until now.

This summer I met Pam Myrick-Mottley,  an early childhood specialist at Mississippi State University(MSU), Life Is Good Playmaker Trainer, and overall amazing person. Her first lesson was, "Brian you can always pivot."  You need to know that Pam's specialty is working child care providers and children who have suffered from trauma.  These are kiddos who did not choose what life dealt them and she teaches coping skills through play, based on the belief that no matter what life hands you (or you walk into)you can always pivot.

Think about that for a moment.  I think about that a lot!  I find myself demonstrating a pivot move in basketball to my children and as I see them sliding into a tantrum I can be heard playing the roll of coach - "PIVOT!!"  

As an organization we were prepared to go surfing in Narragansett with children and adults with disabilities.  Surfers were registered and excited. United States Coast Guard Academy and friends were commited as volunteers, Narragansett Surf Shop and 7 Ply Skate and Surf Shop were donating use of surf boards and instructors, food was ordered, and beach permit was all set.  

In comes Katia and the surf day was cancelled due to unpredictable swells and strong riptides.  We were forced to pivot.  8:30 rolls around and I receive a message from a family "The weather looks great, can't wait to see you."  OH NO! One family showed up for a great morning and I was still over an hour away with the event cancelled.

This family clearly knows basketball and not only pivoted but also squeezed the lemons they were given and created an awesome experience for their son.  I had a volunteer who was going to the beach with her long board regardless of the event and connected with this family for the morning.  Mom's text that afternoon brought tears to my eyes - "Thank you for helping us turn lemons into lemonade today. Jack had a BLAST!"

I think I am ready to open a lemonade stand called "Pivot Place", right next to a basketball court.  Whatever it takes to remind yourself that as long as you are still breathing you can pivot and change your circumstances by keeping your head up and focusing on what you want out of life.  If doors are being shut keep pivoting and looking for that teammate who can help you reach your goal.  

Pivot.

Keep Your Head Up.

Reach That Goal.

PS: You may also want to squeeze a cold glass of lemonade from the lemons you catch along the way as your reward for a job well done.

Synergy Center Corporation was formed in 2009 by Brian Armstrong and Kate O’Boyle to help individuals with disabilities and weakened health conditions make quality connections with themselves, their community and their world.  With more than 30 years combined experience in special education, general education and guidance, Armstrong and O’Boyle are dedicated to helping people of all ages receive respite and relief in the form of play, relaxation, learning and interacting in a safe, healthy environment.  To find out more about other programs and services provided by Synergy, visit connectwithsynergy.com or call (860)701-0355.