Sadly, our dog Baxter sat this one out so I could have a relaxing walk on the beach. We had a minus tide this morning and being a JRT, he is a little too competitive for all the off-leash dogs. Without Baxter, I also have more time to look around and take pics!
California State Parks is hosting their summer Junior Lifeguard program on Trinidad State Beach and it got me thinking about past experiences and life skills. For most of the participants this course may seem like just a fun summer activity. This year the students get to be social and with their peers, something I’m sure they missed during the Covid shutdown. But the course is so much more than what meets the eye. It’s likely that most of the students will not become professional lifeguards. That said, the many skills they learn from this summer experience will probably stay with them and help indirectly with future problem solving and decision making.
During high school and college I worked in retail. I enjoyed the customer service part of the job and helping people make decisions. Experience at the time, that I saw as a means to an end. You see, retail was not my profession of choice; it wasn’t my big dream. During my 34 year museum career, I came to realize that my earlier retail experience WAS extremely helpful in preparing me for my career. Handling financial transactions, developing strong communication skills, working with difficult personalities (on both sides of the counter) and learning the humbling concept of the customer is always right. Retail for me was a training ground. I put that early experience in my tool box and have used those skills throughout my life. Never underestimate the value of previous experiences.
Funny side note: to this day, I face all the dollar bills in my wallet in the same direction. 😉 Enjoy my pics! #iluvtowalk #iluvthebeach #beachlife #trinidadcalifornia #humboldtcounty #humboldt
“R” glad you were here but wish you’d taken your trash 
Look closely 
Perspectives From My Trail 