Sandra - Thanks for the book rec - I just checked it out and it looks like a good read. So much of this can be common sense, but in the heat of the moment we often slip back into (bad) patterns we somehow picked up along the way. Human nature perhaps? Sounds like Mineset would be a good refresher course for parents and teachers alike. (Sometimes I feel I need all the reminding I can get!)

I so think you're on to something! Love your last line -- would make a great ad campaign! Nike - are you listening???

There are injuries in every sport - and yes, even using wood bats does not make it preventable. But from the statistics I've read online, the injuries are more frequent and more severe with the metal bats. And who is getting injured? KIDS! The main reason "they" say we should continue to use metal bats is not an environmental one, but that it makes the game more exciting and engaging for both players and fans. Hmmm - was that really how the game of baseball was meant to be played? Or is it that in our fast-paced, can't sit still, multi-tasking society we really do need to have the score be 21-17 to make the game more enjoyable to watch?

Yes, I think the idea of making a "level playing field" is a good one. High school and college players (IMHO) should be using wooden bats - just like the pros. So many of them dream of going on and playing MLB - why not give them a feel of what it's really like? It might help them be realistic in terms of what they can REALLY do. Besides, why should it be different for them? And why not make it safer for everyone?

Yes LarkLady, modern technology as it relates to communication is definitely a 2-edged sword with both good and bad points. But even if we tune out the bad news, it doesn't mean it isn't happening. And THAT it is even happening (a man being trampled to death by eager Wal-Mart shoppers for example) is the problem. I agree it is important to focus on the good and spread more of that along. I truly believe the old adage that you get more of what you focus on. But, I don't think we should lose sight of the other stuff (the sad, horrific or shocking). It shows us where we are as a society and what we need to work on. Maybe...if we could focus even just a little on solving those underlying problems, we would have more good news all around. As my kids love to say, "It COULD happen." :)

Feeding your soul is SUPER hard I think. Some days I am not even sure WHAT that means for me!?!! Yikes! But you are right, Sheri, if we don't figure it out, everyone around us suffers. Like the old saying, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

Well done, Callieandbatido! You are off to a great start! Being present is one I work on a lot too - and so-o-o important! I know I miss out on so much because I am thinking ahead instead of just BEing there in the moment. And where would we be without a little laughter?! There have been when I have wanted to SCREAM over more than a few accidental mishaps involving the kids. Those few times when I chose to laugh it off instead ultimately made ME feel better inside; I could just tell I handled it right when I was the look and relief in their eyes. And what a great thing to teach them!