Targets

Farside Cartoon by Gary Larsen

At Logan River Academy we have our Foundations program and our ESSENCE program. Our ESSENCE program is for boys on the Autism Spectrum or with related issues.

One issue we are constantly working on is self-awareness. One principle that I have witnessed over the years is the truth behind the following saying: We teach people how to treat us.

We often put targets on ourselves without even knowing it. By the way we interact with others, we are consistently showing others how we want to be treated. Do we freely gossip about others? Do we have loose boundaries and over-disclose about personal issues? Do we impulsively blurt things out in class? Do we get too close to others when we talk? Do we have bad breath, body odor, or greasy hair?

All of these questions could make a statement about who we are and how we want to be treated. Part of our focus with our students is to help them learn to teach others to treat them positively and with respect. Much of what we get from others is within our control. It’s a very empowering concept to realize that much of what we get out of relationships is within our power.

In this awesome Farside cartoon this poor deer had no control over his birthmark. Fortunately, most of us have some control regarding what targets we place on ourselves!