As I recall, Marshalou, my cousin, was in the same class as I was as a child. One day we were asked to blow up balloons and burst them. I’m not quite sure what prompted the teacher to start us on a path of explosions and thrills.
I wanted to be the first one in line. But I hesitated. I’m not sure what I was afraid of – almost sixty years later I’m still wondering!
Mashalou did not have any qualms. She got up there and blew and blew. We watched for what seemed to be hours of huffing and puffing. Finally the balloon popped. Marshalou got the credit and the rest of us were deflated. The teacher then let all of us try to burst a balloon. I am known for having lots of hot air, and I burst the balloon in half the time Marshalou took.
Not that I’m bitter. OK, maybe a little. I guess I’m more concerned about my own reluctance to take on a risk – particularly something that was easy for me.
Kindersley’s slogan is “experience our energy.”
We boast a strong oil sector – often called the energy sector. Our apparent approach to risk is – jump and then look. Risk is for those who can roll with the punches and still stand up.
Meanwhile our agricultural sector has been known for a long term overview. We live each year mindful of next year country. At the same time, we are innovative and creative in maintaining what we feel will carry us over until next year. The agricultural risk sector is found in developing steady and increasingly productive ways to farm.
While talking with a Regina native recently, they figured we had just come out of the flood. I’m not sure where Noah’s ark landed, but the dock must have been close to Kindersley. The oil prices took a steep arc and ended up welded to the bottom of the scale.
How do we and our surrounding communities poke our heads out of our tiny bunkers, decide to risk a run in the sparkling snow, and arrive early as the new growth of spring arises?
Health care is in for a structural shake up – what can we risk to be at the forefront as soon as the dust settles? Social services models of care has been rightly focused on provision of aid – what new adventures will be forwarded to help curb the need for these services? Partnership investments have played a part in maintaining our communities – are we willing to risk even greater cooperation?
I mention these areas because risk assessments are happening already. Other areas could be mentioned. I commend the forward thinking that is in place. I just wonder if now is the time to take our greatest risk.
Are we willing to step to the front of the line, suck in our pride, blow out our hot air, burst the balloons that restrict us from even greater opportunities, and watch the future from the sunny side?
