My Supports

• Lists & Planners: Without these I would be in a real pickle when it comes to my work life which requires me to be at a different site each day and to keep track of our plan during each meeting.
• Technology: Another support that makes daily function possible and convenient. Without even considering things like computers and phones- how would I get along without my dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer? I have been there in what feels like a past life and it made everything more time consuming and difficult. And, speaking of time, what would I do without the convenience of a microwave? I cannot even imagine...
• Supervisors & Coworkers: These women keep me balanced, sane, and motivated in the complex and difficult work we do. I cannot express my need for and gratitude of their support. What we do can be a bit isolating in its nature because we are out in the field for the majority of the work. However, when we come together their support is invaluable- without them I would be less successful and that would fail the providers, children, and families.
• Family: I have written a lot about my family on my blog. I am very close to my sister and my mom and they, in particular, provide ongoing support for me. I literally could not imagine what I would do without them. To read more about my family you can visit my Personal Childhood Web blog post.
• My Life Partner- Dean: Another support that I cannot imagine living without. He and I have an authentic partnership that I am absolutely blessed to have in my life. The support he provides makes my entire world flow smoothly and he provides some of the best medicine I can think of- love and laughter. To read a bit more about my partnership with Dean you can check out my Relationship Reflection blog post.

A challenge, a plan, a dream...

My imagined challenge is one that could become real in the near future. I am

considering writing a book about a specific idea I have for leaders in the early childhood field. Each of the supports I have written about here would be critical to my success in this endeavor.

The support of my family and Dean would be critical in keeping me sane, motivated, and on-track. Additionally, my sister is an author and I would rely on her heavily for advice about the process of writing, editing, and publishing the book.

I would also hope to ask my co-workers for support by sharing their stories from the field. I have asked a few directors if I could work with them for some case studies of implementing the idea I would like to write about.

Finally, technology, planners, and lists would be absolutely critical to my ability to stay on track. Time management, research, and organizing my plan would be the backbone of my work on the book.