January 8, 2017
I sat at the end of a long table looking at the faces that might change the next few years of my life; the famous "panel interview" for the hugely sought-after teaching position I desperately wanted. The question was posed, "What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?" The words popped out of my mouth before I fully knew what I was saying. A long-desired activity, that I'd only minimally explored, bubbled to the surface as my answer. It surprised me! And it made me think about why I haven't taken the time to engage in it. Would I really do it in 5 years' time?
After landing the position and recognizing the risk-taking, leap-of-faith tendencies I have, I decided to enroll in a class that first year. I wasn't going to let the 5-year deadline come to a close without making good on my answer to that question! Thus, I began a journey. That journey has now had several detours, and 3 years later I'm circling around again because I feel like I didn't truly finish my challenge.
And it's scary. It makes me feel vulnerable. But I HAVE to keep going because, in the end, I want to be able to say, "I did it.", "I tried it.", "I explored that unknown place and I wouldn't change a thing about it...I'm so glad I did it!".
This is EXACTLY the kind of confidence that I want to build in students. If I can't do it myself, how do I encourage them to do it? Moving forward, with fear, and walking out the other side with more wisdom, more courage, more exhilaration, and an ability to see yourself and your life through a different lens...ALL WORTH IT.
What about you? What scares you and draws you in at the same time? What have you wanted to do that you haven't tried, yet? Five years from now, will you be able to look back and say "I DID IT"?
Cheers! Congrats! And Much Love to You!
No comments:
Post a Comment