Create space for success and inclusion
When we moved to Canada during the pandemic, my primary concern was to ensure my children felt safe, had a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to make friends. Little did I know that a simple lesson about removing barriers would unfold right in our own driveway.
As Aris began school, he quickly formed friendships. It started with one friend walking him home, and before I knew it, there were two, then three, and soon enough, five kids gathered outside our house.
The driveway became their playground, transforming into a makeshift basketball court where they spent 30 minutes shooting hoops and laughing together.
I looked forward to hearing the voices outside while I worked, and I was thrilled to see my son thriving in his new environment.
But one day, an eerie silence replaced the usual laughter and excited chatter. Aris remained inside, alone. I couldn’t help but wonder what had changed. When I asked him if his friends hadn’t walked him home that day, he simply shrugged and said nothing.
That’s when it hit me – my car was in the driveway!
I had driven out earlier in the day and forgotten to park it in the garage. Ours was one of the few families on the street that consistently parked in the garage. Our driveway, usually empty, was accessible for the kids to gather and play.
It was a moment of realization for me. We had unintentionally created space for these connections to flourish. And it got me thinking about the barriers we unknowingly build in our lives that prevent the things we desire from flowing to us.
Remove Personal Barriers
Like my car blocking the driveway and hindering the neighborhood kids from playing, we sometimes unknowingly obstruct our own paths to success and fulfillment. We long for meaningful relationships, opportunities, and growth, but we don’t make room for them.
Whether it’s in your professional life or in your personal journey where you aspire to broaden your horizons, take a moment today to reflect on where you’ve parked your metaphorical car. Are you obstructing opportunities and connections that could be flowing your way?
Foster Inclusive Environments
In the broader context of society, we often talk about the importance of inclusion, diversity, and building a sense of community. But to truly achieve this, we must also examine the barriers we’ve constructed that thwart these ideals from becoming a reality.
Just as I had to move my car to make room for the kids to play, we must collectively identify and dismantle the barriers that stand in the way of true inclusivity. It might mean reevaluating policies at work, challenging our own personal biases, or fostering an environment that welcomes everyone and allows them to be their truest selves. Who might we be blocking and limiting their chance of progressing?
Do You Need to Move Your Car?
As I backed my trusty Honda into the garage the following day, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that I was creating the opportunity for my son and his friends to bond later.
It was a simple lesson that mirrored the larger journey of life.
Whether it’s a literal car in the driveway or metaphorical barriers in your path, remember to clear the way for the things you desire. Remove any obstacles, embrace inclusivity, and create space for success, growth, and meaningful connections.
Our driveway became a gathering place for young friendships to flourish. Similarly, your life can become a space where opportunities and relationships thrive. Start by checking where you’ve parked your car and make room for the traffic of positivity and fulfillment to flow your way.
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© Arlene Amitirigala 2023. All Rights Reserved.
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