Slice of Life: Day 19 - Two Simple Rules Got Me In the Game ... #SOL22 #TWTBlog

Last year was rough. Coming back from two broken arms, sixteen weeks of nothing, was not easy.  I had PT, OT, and a trainer.  At first, I wasn’t allowed to do anything that was considered high impact.  That included everything I love to do.  My orthopedic surgeon suggested that I join a gym.  I have never been a gym member before.  I couldn’t bear any weight on my arms, but I need to work on my range of motion.  I was cleared to do Zumba.  I repeat -- Zumba.  I have never done Zumba or any group exercise class for that matter.  I had no idea what to expect but I was ready to do something…

I show up for my first class. I look around to figure out how this works.  I grab a towel and find a spot that is open.  People greet each other as they stretch.  I notice my running gear is somewhat out of place.  I didn’t realize there were different types of exercise clothes.  I have never cared much since I typically run before the sun rises.  I look at the clock and wonder if this isn’t such a good idea.  I bend down to grab my water and towel so I can get out before the class begins.

Enter Calvin.

Calvin is a burst of positive energy that immediately permeates the room.  He welcomes everyone by name as he gets set up.  He sees me making my way toward the door. 

You must be Clare.  Welcome, Clare – I’m so glad you are here.

I’ve been caught.  I can’t go now.

Thank you. 

Find a spot.  We are going to get started.

Ok.  I am not sure I am going to stay.  I have never done Zumba.  I am a runner.  I broke both my arms and my doctor cleared me for Zumba.  I can’t run yet.  My arms are still really stiff. I am not sure this is going to work.

Calvin knew that if he had any hope of starting class, he needed to cut me off.

Alright, Chestnut Hill Zumba, let’s tell Clare the only rules of Zumba.  Rule 1 –

Everyone shouts, Show up!

Calvin continues, Rule 2 –

Have fun!

Calvin looks at me, So, Clare, looks like you are already halfway there.  Let’s go.

For ten weeks I did Zumba.  I was confused.  I was out of sync.  I was awful.

I continued to show up. 

I continued to have fun.

Calvin helped me meet my goal of running a half-marathon in six months.  I was slow and my form was not ideal, but I am choosing to focus on the 13.1 miles I ran.  My personal best since I broke two arms.

Calvin never told me I was behind. He never labeled me at-risk, struggling, or low. He didn’t’ tell me I wasn’t ready. He didn’t point out my errors.

He did celebrate my growth.

He did give me extra support.

He did laugh with me.

He did tell me when he noticed I was having fun.

I wish public education was more like Calvin right now. Unfortunately, we have a whole lot of people, who spend no time in schools, deciding our kids are behind and failing due to virtual and hybrid learning these past two years.  People who are making mandates, purchasing programs, and believing that meaningless, rote, rigor is what our kids need right now.  Can you imagine how different things would feel in school right now if we started with these two rules – show up and have fun?  Let’s be clear, Calvin taught me.  Calvin pushed me.  Calvin coached me.  But first, Calvin welcomed me and got to know me.  Calvin accepted me – even with two broken arms and two left feet.  Calvin got me in the game.  The question is, are we doing the same for our kids?

Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum. Check out the writers, readers, and teachers here.