The thing about the International Society of Hopscotch is that it isn't really about the hopscotch. Except it is. 

This is where it gets tricky, I know. 

Here's what I mean: If you allow yourself to get sucked into the idea of playing a game that involves hopping, you've already won. There is a chance you don't even have to actually play Hopscotch to reap the benefits of having a Hopscotch mindset. 

Hopping on one foot is a little test of bravery. You must convince yourself to shift your weight from two feet to one foot. You must trust your body to make a million little decisions so you won't fall down. It's hard to fathom how many precise calculations and adjustments your body makes before, during and after you hop. Hopping is a little miracle, actually. You are flying, just a little bit, every time you jump, just before you land.

You must hop at your own risk. If you are unable to hop for physical reasons (I'm talking to you, Dad, please don't actually hop...falling down is not a good thing for you, right now) please consider making mental leaps. How can you fly a bit, here and there, a split second at a time, without leaving the ground? 

What is your Hopscotch today?

What does bravery mean to you? 

If you see something that makes you think "that is so Hopscotch!" please share it with us. I am looking for people to interview for this blog. I want to start capturing a few of the million little moments that make up our days and weeks and years, and connect us in that space, mid-hop. 

--Julie

A good time was had by all at our very first International Society of Hopscotch Meetup on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Washington Park in Eugene, OR. 15 people attended in real life (including a toddler and my mom, so we can say ages 2-77!) and about nine more played with us virtually, and sent pictures. We shared snacks, made art with chalk, and of course, hopped. 

I was quite happy to have my kids, their friends, and the amazing Boon Richter playing and dancing with us. Boon is a talented, self-taught animation style dancer. Here he is hop-dancing on Vine! I think he just invented a new sport.