April 7, 2026
Stop and Smell the Roses
The Power of Being Outside
This week one of my little friends was having a difficult time transitioning to therapy and was feeling particularly grumpy. I encouraged his dad to put on his shoes for us to go on a walk. As I mentioned last week, a change in place + a change in pace = a change in perspective. This phrase was coined by Mark Batterson from National Community Church and is a phrase that holds true for us as adults but also serves as a great reminder for our littlest of friends.
Back to my little friend…We walked outside when all of sudden his eyes lit up and his little legs were moving. We sang the song “Walking, walking” as we walked down the sidewalk. We stopped to smell the roses. We saw a grasshopper in the grass, a butterfly on a bush, we crushed leaves and commented on flowers on the trees. My little friend was engaged and pointing to everything, which resulted in both me and his dad labeling everything.
Pointing is a gesture that opens up a whole new world for a child. His eyes lit up with the realization that ”If I point, an adult will comment and I get to learn so many new words. When I learn new words I can say those words!” And say those words he did!
If you find one of your little friends is having a difficult time, this is the time of year to lace up their shoes and take therapy outside. Enjoy being present and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!