Celebration of Life!

BY JASON C. STEINLE, DC   

                Sara was playing tag with the other 4 and 5 year olds at the day care center.  As she rounded a corner to avoid being made "it", Sara slipped and tumbled to the ground.  Running over to her, I carefully helped her to the first-aid station.  Fortunately she had fallen onto a grassy area of the playground and there were no cuts or bruises on her body.  Sympathizing with Sara's discomfort, later that afternoon I chose Sara to have the honor of leading the group to the kitchen for snack-time.  Afterward I asked Sara to pick out the games we would play during playtime.  Then during craft time I paid extra attention to Sara and complimented her artwork in front of the class. 

            Before long the other children were coming up to me to tell me about their most recent accidents.  They showed me cuts and injuries on their arms and legs.  It was when one little boy, Adam, showed me his scraped-up arm and then asked me if he could lead the group to snack-time the next day that I realized my mistake.  I was giving Sara extra attention because of her fall.  It was not wrong to care for someone, but the problem occurred when the only time I gave the children special attention was when they were suffering.  When I rewarded Sara’s suffering with extra attention and care I was teaching the other children that if they wanted attention they needed to be suffering as well.   

        As adults our suffering is rewarded with sick-days off from work, get-well cards, and food delivered to our bedsides.  Again this concern is wonderful, but how much more wonderful it would be if we expressed this concern even when we are doing well.  Instead of waiting until we are sick to take a day off why not reward ourselves with a well-day.   Send a greeting card to a friend now instead of waiting until they are ill or injured.  Treat yourself and someone close to you to a fine meal today instead of waiting until one of you can not move before you order in food.  Celebrate the wonder of life today instead reserving your attention and concern for an accident or injury!©

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2002-2005

Jason C Steinle the host of The Steinle Show talk radio and television programs. He is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Director of Health and Harmony Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Evergreen, CO.  Jason is also the author of Upload Experience: Quarterlife Solutions which is available at www.amazon.com and at www.uploadexperience.com