Yep, you read that correctly; I hate turkey. Actually, Thanksgiving is not even one of my top 3 holidays anymore. There once was a time I thrived during the month of November. That moment hit me yesterday while walking in Dillards. Remember that Aromatique potpourri and air spray that smelled like a Christmas tree. Here, let me help you remember:
Funny how a smell can instantly put you in a moment. I was there yesterday. That smell put me right back to Black Friday. (Many posts about my love/hate relationship with this time are found on this thread, go take a peek!) I embraced the moment and looked for the memories. No Christmas music yet and very limited decorations were up. I did run into a former EB employee and shared a moment about the holidays being different after losing someone. Sitting at that Clinique counter, I listened as the stranger tried to sell me different things, that I once pushed from her side of the counter. I laughed inside, knowing that was me and how my path changed over the years. As an early 20 something, you feel like you can take on the world and do anything. I guess I was an old soul because I chose to use my degree and serve my home community by teaching. I don't live in the past and am thankful for the trajectory my path has taken but I do wonder what it would have been like to not be scared.
As a building level leader, you make multiple decisions throughout the day and many have to be in the moment. You must be able to process your words and actions quickly, while maintaining ethics and an overall moral purpose. If you know me today and have seen my quick response to the everchanging education system, you would never have guessed I passed up an opportunity to be an educational consultant with Clinic. Why did I pass up something I loved?
1. I had just graduated BSU with my BS and was working 2 jobs and knew I had to serve kids, not adults. (funny, right?)
2. I was scared to fly. That position required travel to NY once a month. Something most people would love to do but did not sit well with my soul.
I left that store thinking about all the memories of EB and dad. It's amazing how your spirit heals when you lose someone. The faith that you will be with them again seems to take the daily hurt away. Until these moments happen and then connections occur over and over, often linked to a special day; Thanksgiving. So many emotions flowing as I drove home from Richmond and the perfect song came on the radio. If you've never felt a praise and worship song I challenge you to take a moment to listen to Oceans.
Never do I push my faith on others but I do live my faith, moral purpose, very outwardly. This month has been about pouring my heart into my people and listening to how I can move my building. We must keep growing but no one is going to take on anything else unless they feel vested. I am still building relationships and learning teaching styles. I'm connecting to my peers and learning where my voice falls in the decision process. It's an undertaking for sure but one I am loving. I am excited to say I get to serve these wonderful educators. This journey all falls back on my faith and the strength I gain by serving. The kids are learning my word through my actions while the teachers watch alongside them. It's a chance to establish the culture of trust. My feet may be deep in the water but my trust in the professionals I serve is unbounding.
Michael Fullan is one of my favorite authors I read while earning my administrative license. He has many quotes on the systems of change. According to Fullan:
When the individual soul is connected to the organization, people become connected to something deeper-the desire to contribute to a larger purpose, to feel they are part of a greater whole, a web of connection.
I can only hope, with time, that our school culture is one of trust, respect, academic achievement and continued growth. We have a great start as I walked into a high-functioning system. My role is to now build capacity and support the work. My friend said it best last night; it's not about telling someone to change, it's about allowing them time to grow. We have to stop relying on a program to fix our kids when we have professionals that will do their best to raise these future leaders, and support them in their efforts. It's about collective efficacy.
I hate turkey. Good thing Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey! As I cook my first turkey in 44 years, I am filled with gratitude for the work that is being done. While there is more ahead, the focus is on relationships, clarity, and results. My cup was filled when I was able to catch up with those that have played an integral role of my leadership. I can't wait to hear more from their retirement journeys and new pathways. I am the lone building level leader out of them all and know my path is still serving students and teachers.
That brief moment, the smell of the Aromatique, put my mind in a spiral of all the new and missing the old. What a beautiful life we live, if we take the time to recognize where we came from, where we are going but staying in the moment. Live today to the fullest; make the call, mend the relationship, or just be present. I will not be Black Friday shopping but I am confident someone above me is relaxing on this busy retail day! I wish you a day filled with peace, love and a gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Just Love,
Kirsten
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| Clinique Crew circa 2009 Dad during Holiday Season |
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