A while ago I was in my front yard and a pack of gangsta looking teens walked across the street. One young man flipped his skateboard and landed on top of the newspaper box. Then he looked directly at me so I smiled and gave him a thumbs up gesture. Here was this tough looking kid seeking adult approval. Sports are so much more than just physical activity. Camaraderie and validation are just two of the side benefits.

At the Boyle Street Community Plaza we have drop in basketball, badminton, volleyball, and ball hockey, and we also have skateboarders in the park. Sure, those sports are a good release of energy but they’re also a chance for people to experience proficiency. People like doing sports that they’re good at because it re-enforces a sense of mastery. Being good at something is one of the best ways to experience pleasure and stimulate a sense of happiness for ourselves.

And even though this matters a lot in the formative years, it applies to all of us. My 72 year old friend tells me he needs to learn something new everyday. And because his mind always strives towards excellence, he often masters his new skill quickly. Success at one skill brings the confidence to try more new things. Competence and success builds on itself.

I’ve also noticed that teaching one of our skills to another person often lets us hone our gift to a new level. I was about five years old and struggling with reading when I took it upon myself to teach a neighbouring boy to read through a little book and suddenly the words started to flow out of my mouth. 

I’m hoping that the Abundant Community Initiative will foster that sort of happening in our Boyle Street. Maybe once people step forward and start conversations with neighbours, we can start sharing skills.

I’m too much of a chicken to try skateboarding but I can learn to be a better gardener. Just yesterday one conversation I had with a Master Composter has encouraged me to improve my composting and expand my garden.

What would you like to learn and what can you teach?

Get involved – contact me at manon.aubry@shaw.ca or call (780) 424-6029.

Manon is a resident of Boyle Street, a former member of the BSCL Board, and an active volunteer in the community.