Sparks – Something to Get Excited About

Thank you, Peter Benson.

Peter L. Benson, Ph.D., the creator of Search Institute’s Developmental Assets, has written a book called Sparks – How Parents Can Help Ignite the Hidden Strengths of TEENAGERS.

OH, WOW…………having read only the first 46 pages, I know that Benson’s insights support not only parents, but entire communities, to champion our kids as they search for their passion, their purpose, their spark.

And, truly, this is the mission of my foundation, Serendipity West Foundation: Awakening Teens to Their Magnificence and Power, Creating Bold New Futures. I’m just beginning to discover just how many other people have taken this on as their passion, their purpose, their spark.

Sparks? A spark is something inside that gets you excited. It’s something that gives meaning to life. And it’s not just teens we are talking about, it's everyone.

I found my spark late in life. My dream is to be a catalyst in creating the environment in all Central Oregon communities and schools that “energizes our families, schools, and neighborhoods to see the potential in each young person” - and the not-so-young, as well.

So many people – teenagers and adults – live locked-up lives. They meander through life, sometimes checking things off their to-do list, but often not knowing why they are here or why they matter. When you do this too long, you get a nagging sense that something’s missing, and what’s missing is discovering and expressing your spark. (Sparks – page 18)

As has been attributed to e.e. cummings:

We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside of us there’s something valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our touch, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.

So………………what is your spark? If you don’t know, actively seek it. Once you know what it is, I say GO FOR IT.