Recently, I was nominated to be featured in Bold Journey. I’ll share the link again below, but first I want to tell you about a moment that has stayed with me all these years. As I was answering the questions, I found myself thinking about it again.
Back in 2010, my first year I opened Social and Cognitive Learning Center, I met a 3 year old who wasn’t quite sure about me yet. In my mind, I've called this the 'Beanbox Moment' ever since.
We spent a lot of time sliently, just scooping and pouring while he sat in the bean box and I sat next to him. He was not talking to me and I didn't approach with big goals or a list of agenda. Just being present.
In the middle of all that quiet… he started talking to me.
Not because I pushed and not because I had great plans...because he felt safe.
I will never forget that moment.
It’s that point when the relationship shifted and trust started to lead the way.
I’ve seen versions of that moment again and again over the years and every time, it deepens my commitment to this process. Some have shown me only through actions and others have been able to describe this shift to me.
What the "beanbox moment" represents never changes.
Growth doesn’t happen because we force it.
It happens when someone feels safe enough to try.
Growth moves at the speed of trust.
* The truth is, that beanbox was actually really hard to manage. Every time a child played in it, it meant time spent sweeping beans from the floor.
But I could never quite bring myself to get rid of it. Years later, when I finally moved offices, I decided to part ways with the beanbox. But I carry what it represents with me every single day.
In the interview with Bold Journey, I had the chance to reflect on how this belief has shaped my work over the past 15 years, and why trust continues to be the foundation of everything I do.
I’d love for you to check it out.
Here’s the [Link]
NORIKO'S NOTES: sharing my life's simple joysđź’ś
In the process of expanding my Parenting REdefined segment of my work, I was reunited with a former SCLC parent I hadn’t been in contact with for over 10 years. She is the one I mentioned above who nominated me to be interviewed by Bold Journey — thank you, Erika!
We hopped on a Zoom call to catch up, and I was so thrilled to hear about the incredible path her life has taken.
After a life-threatening injury in 2021 forced her to step away from a long-standing career, she began rebuilding in a completely different way. She turned those lessons into one of the greatest gifts she now offers herself and others.
She is now a Certified Equine Gestaltist® who works alongside horses to help individuals reconnect with themselves through presence, resilience, healing, and deeper connection with others.
So...getting myself to experience Mustang Wisdom, or better yet, collaborating and having a Parenting REdefined retreat in Colorado is now on my bucket list!! Anyone want to join??
Please check out her story. I love it! [LINK]
Thank you for letting me share my simple joyđź’ś.
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Noriko Abenojar, MSW PPS
Parenting REdefined
Social and Cognitive Learning Center
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