The Mandy Principles
Mandy excelled at many things. She was uncannily flexible, her tee-ball skills were off the charts, her fashion sense was impeccable, and nobody was better at making bread-less PB&Js - but her greatest strength was drawing people into her world. It was this strength that inspired a set of foundational norms that we lovingly dubbed "The Mandy Principles."
Just Play
Mandy was an expert at just playing. She played without regretting the past, worrying about the present, or fearing the future - and when you were her playmate, somehow you also forgot all your guilt, to-do list items, and future obligations. Somehow, you were free to live in the moment.
​
That's what it really means to Just Play: surrendering all your regrets, worries, and fears so that you're free to be present, fully enjoying every breath.
​
But implementing play in our own lives is only part of the Just Play principle. Mandy also taught us that we can't keep our joy to ourselves, so we're working to share the gift of play with as many people as possible.
Put Relationships First
Somehow, at age four with no tangible resources, Mandy was a professional networker. She made friends with everyone she met. Even more impressive, most of those people actually remembered her - not because she was rude or pushy, but because she was friendly and hilarious (with just the right amount of sass, of course). All of us could learn a thing or two from someone like that.
​
We strive to emulate Mandy's attitude - to make friends with (or at least leave a positive impression on) everyone we meet. We work to invest in the precious relationships that we already have, because our relationships - the people with whom we surround ourselves - are our most valuable, incredible, essential resources.
​
In other words... we'd love to connect with you!
Let Others In
Mandy was great at bringing others into her life. She could convince almost anyone to play with her, and you never regretted being convinced. Instead, you were honored that she had chosen you as her playmate: there are few things more rewarding than gaining the complete, innocent, unabashed trust of a four-year-old.
​
We work to let others into our lives, even when it's hard... which it usually is. Opening your heart to others leaves you vulnerable, exposed to the possibility of pain. We learned that all too well when we lost Mandy - but none of us would even think about erasing our time with Mandy just to ease the pain. So, yes, letting others in might lead to hurt... but it's the only way to build true, meaningful, lasting relationships - and that's well worth the risk.
​
And, as we've discovered, play is one of the best ways to let others in, build meaningful relationships, and share joy.
Share Your Need
Mandy wasn't afraid to ask for what she needed... and she almost always got it. I mean, let's be real: who could resist that face?
​
It seems like a simple lesson, but in a world that prizes rugged independence, it can be hard to be vulnerable enough to ask for help. Society is constantly telling us that we should have it all figured out, that we can do this on our own, that requesting support is a sign of weakness... but it's impossible to be fully independent. None of us can do life alone.
​
At Just Play, we do our best to share our needs with each other (and our trusted confidants), but we're just as eager to give help as we are to receive it... so don't hesitate to share your need with us!