Dear Elkins Community,
If you are like me, every weekend is jam-packed with activities and events. While chauffeuring my kids to games, packing snacks, or doing one of the other thousand things to be done on the weekend, I think about what I want to share with you in the Titan Talk newsletter. My letters always contain the things on my mind, thoughts from my heart, and reminders for myself. This week's letter is no different.
Last week, we had our first home volleyball game. Mrs. Elsa Simcik was sitting by me. She kept commenting on the “great energy of the team.” The boys' and girls' teams were supporting one another, cheering each other on, and genuinely having fun. There were even a few occasions when the volleyball team made some mistakes, but instead of being stressed out or embarrassed, they laughed it off. One student went to spike the ball over the net. Not only didn't the ball make it over the net, but instead, it spiked toward another teammate's face. Laughter erupted. This laughter was because everyone understood it was a blunder, and neither team member was hurt. This made me think about how we must just laugh sometimes.
While driving my eldest son to practice, he hesitantly shared that he "didn't enjoy being around me lately." I was stunned but decided to lean into his remark. So, I asked, "What about me is hard for you right now?" He said, "Mom, you're so stressed, and It just doesn't feel good." My eldest boy often makes very profound observations. This one particularly hit me square in the eye because I had to look at the energy I was bringing to my home court. It was true, my energy at home was impacting my kids. I realized I was not bringing the same positive power the Titan volleyball players brought to the Elkins Pointe home court. I thought about the “great energy” the team had on each other, their parents, and entire gym. Sometimes, I forget how much impact we have on those around us.
As we neared Roswell Area Park, I requested my son to "Hug me whenever I seem stressed." Since he is a pre-teen, I assumed he would not. The very next night, he walked up to me and said, "Mom, look at me," and wrapped his arms around me. I soaked in his love, and the day's worries faded away. My son smiled and said, "You know, Mom, this is a big deal for me too! I am not a hugger." For sure, he is not a hugger, which is why his gesture meant even more, and made us both laugh.
My children and your children teach me things every day. I hope that we can all be present in each moment to learn from them. The volleyball team and my son remind me how important it is to bring the right energy because it impacts everyone around us!
Have a wonderful night, and I cannot wait to see our Titans tomorrow.
Sincerely,
AJ Smith
