The Opportunities Ahead

You always have the choice of how to view things.  2016 gave our family many opportunities to grow and face challenges; dad's journey, another degree, new positions for both Scott and I, the failure of a home sale, and the constant adaptation of living with an empty feeling.  We really try to stay in each moment, it's the only way we survive.  So what now?

A new year gives us a reflective moment to analyze our desires and determine what direction we move.  Professionally, I have many opportunities and am eager to begin.  After 5 months leading a building and experiencing more challenges than I thought possible, brings me to the next chapter.  The moment when you begin to feel the shift of trust, the opportunity to capitalize on this feeling and keep the momentum....but will they follow?  We are in a new day.  The beauty of what the day can bring falls on our choices.  Will we choose to embrace the struggle of education and grow or will we continue in our old ways.  Ways that have produced results and are comfortable.  Ways that limit our students because they are our ways, not theirs.  Will we push ourselves to learn a little more about new opportunities in education and how it can prepare our students?  What about time?

Photo credit: https://kevintiller.com/2011/08/14/86400-seconds-in-a-day/

Time

The one word I hear more than any other when we talk about initiatives or change.  I don't have any more time than God has given me, but look at what He has given me: the path to leadership.  This constant nudge to do more, to learn more, to be better than yesterday in all areas of my life, and to live each moment.  It is a choice to hear His plan or to make your own.  The only way I can balance is when I put my focus on Him.  I lose sight of the gifts of miracles when I get caught up in schedules and deadlines.  It's been awhile since I've put my eyes to the sky and to look for direction.  I was making my own path and not listening.  Time away from the daily grind and a chance to gain perspective has opened my heart once again.  Time wastes away when all you do is what you have to do or what you are comfortable doing.  Sometimes, it takes a spark...

"Papaw Ted," Stone says as he hands me the crucifix that is by my bedside.  "Yes, Stone, Papaw Ted is with Jesus."  "Awe, Papaw Ted, I love you."  How can a 2 year old find the peace and love that He desires us to live by?  No schedules, no obstacles pulling at him, he lives for every 86,400 seconds he is given, because he knows no different.

I want to know no different!  I want those around me to feel the gift of time and the choice on how to use it.  Do our kids need another worksheet that will need graded, returned, and recorded or do they need the conversation?  Do they need the chance to work together to solve problems that begin to develop their critical thinking skills, or do they  need to complete another assessment?  What are we doing in the 25,200 seconds that we have our kids?  Are we preparing them for their future or are we living in our comfort zone.

I fully believe in modeling anything I would ever ask my teachers to do.  I am aware of all the mandates we put on teachers but  I also question what mandates teachers put on themselves.

Take time to breathe friends.  Take time to reflect on your story and how it impacts the classroom. Look for your students' stories.  How do they impact the classroom? Then, how do you put it all together, like one big family?  I am still learning with my staff.  I want to say we are coming together, slowly, but it takes time.  I assure you, I value every 25, 200 seconds I have with my staff and students.  Every chance I get, I learn more, listen more closely, and make deeper connections to build the culture of love.

A year ago life changed.  Everyone has a story where time is precious and loved ones have been lost.  What do you do with it?  I have chosen servant leadership.  I should say, He has shown me servant leadership, how to breathe, how to be a mom and wife that is in each moment, and above all: love.  Love is what can change every situation.

I hope you all have a great 2017.  I look forward to coming back to my reflective practice of blogging and begin to dig deeper into blended learning, mindfulness, growth mindsets, PLCs, and empowering teachers. Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections as I journey on this path.  It's all about networking and I  appreciate all of your thoughts and resources!

JUST LOVE,

Kirsten

@kear734
@weRCharles
#weRCharles