wRitings from Risé
I wonder how I ever survived as a kid in the '50s and '60s. We didn't have childproof lids or doors. Car seats and seat belts did not exist. I never wore a helmet when I road my bicycle. Riding in the back of my grandpa's pickup on bales of hay to go to town was routine. No Encarta, Nintendo, videos, or computers. We didn't have a TV until I was six years old. How in the world did we learn? Basic life skills were nurtured at a young age by playing outside with all the neighborhood kids, by sitting on the porch swing with family and listening to stories, and by raising farm animals. But enrolling in kindergarten (which was optional back then) is where the real learning began!
I once read the book, All I Really Needed to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum. This lighthearted book describes uncommon solutions to common situations. The book states that the world would be a better place to live if all people would wash their hands before they eat, not hit people, share everything, flush, say they're sorry when they hurt someone, live a balanced life, learn some, think some, and, my favorite, when people go out into the world, hold hands and stick together!
These hints definitely cover the basic life skills. However, our world is more complex today and we need continuous professional development. AAWD provides just what the doctor ordered! Conflict management, leadership skills, mentor traits, and self-improvement were topics included on AAWD's program agenda. We hope you were able to join us in Nashville in July. We also have a cruise to Bermuda Aug. 31 to Sept. 7 and will have a program during the ADA meeting in San Francisco. Check our Web site at www.women dentists.org for information and details. Mark your calendars now and save time for yourself to learn and have fun. And when you go out into the world, hold hands with someone and stick together!
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Risé Lyman, DDS
