Another Chapter....A New Journey

If you know me, you know that in addition to being a fan of Gandhi, I am also a fan of Henry David Thoreau. Many of Thoreau's words resonate with me. "Go confidently in the directions of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." and "Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves." As I spend time in nature breathing and feeling the earth under my feet, I think about my path. Many times I have felt lost or that my path wasn't clear. Perhaps that is part of human nature that we all feel. If someone would have told me 30 years ago, or even four years ago, that I would be where I am at now, I would not have believed her. I reflect on my life often as I check in with my mood to attempt to maintain balance. As an exercise that some find particularly morbid, I write my obituary every 5 years or so. This is a good opportunity to think of my accomplishments and the people whom I hold dear to me. The process is usually emotional for me and leaves me realizing that I have much I hope to experience before my final exit. Practically, this is something I feel I can do to facilitate things for those left behind. Perhaps this is an appropriate place for a reassuring note: While I find happiness to be rather elusive, I can honestly say that I am content. Or as Kenny Loggins sang, "I'm alright, nobody worry 'bout me."

While driving, I usually listen to public radio. This morning I heard an interview with a man who taught for 78 years! He had a heart attack at age 84 and taught for another ten years after that. The changes that he would have seen in the world and in education during that time had to be striking! I doubt I will make it to 30 years in education, three years seems rather far away right now.

There are certain items I set out on my desk each year. Similarly, the space behind my desk is adorned with many items that have a story. They symbolize connections that I have or have had; they are gentle reminders to me of where I am, where I have been, and where I need to go. I have all of my school IDs from the last decade or so. They are hanging on my bulletin board, out of site in the lower right corner. (Perhaps I will make a composite photo of all of them and add it here later...maybe not.) I can see how I have aged and changed over the year. With much courage and support, and a growing confidence, my ID this year would fit in the category of, "One of these things is not like the others." (Sung to the tune of that Sesame Street song)

I am curious how confident others are on their path. Do you feel comfortable or content with the decisions you make and the life you are living? Do you have strategies to help gain this confidence or help to find direction? I'd love to learn other books, quotes, or mantras that have helped to guide you to navigate the waters that are sometimes calm, and sometimes stormy. Be well and take good care.