Discomfort

Cards Against Humanity. It’s an interesting game to say the least. The game challenges players to think out of the box, in a sort of horrid way sometimes. Some responses are so outrageous, it makes you laugh. Hence, this is the entertainment factor of the game. Strangely, I see the game as a metaphor. The black card says, “The next step I’m going to take is _________.” In my hand, I have 7 white cards. Some of cards are reasonable, while others are totally outrageous for two reasons. First, I’ve already been there, done that. Second, how could that even be possible? Why bother? Now, I am the point where I have to play one of these cards. It’s decision making time.

I feel that it is time for change, yet I hesitate. Which card shall I play? Much like Cards Against Humanity, there is no right or wrong answer. However, the card chosen is subject to judgement. In essence, there are 3 domains to choose from within these 7 cards: The status quo, return back, or DREAM BIG. For those who know me, I prefer the latter. DREAM BIG. Do the impossible. Challenge the status quo. However, in doing that, I will have to incur a bit of discomfort along the way. People may laugh. People may question. People may judge. In the end, I have to be OK with that.

With my current work, I am so grateful to do what I do. As eclectic as these activities are, I love every minute of them and proud to be a contributor in each group. Just last week, I worked with the BCAMT at Think Tank, connected with the BCSTA Education Committee, participated at “One Word, One Burger” hosted by CISVA, and co-moderated #BCEdChat on Twitter to discuss “Competencies and the 21st Century Learner.” I feel very fortunate to do what I do. However, what compliments this feeling of joy is the feeling of comfort. Why change? Things are great!!! Right?

There are two mindsets to address the situation: (1) maintain the status quo and maybe reinvent yourself; (2) acknowledge that the work may be done and situate yourself in a place of discomfort. The status quo is wonderful, but I’m not growing. I have been avoiding “the edge” shall we say, for many years thinking that all of the other stuff that I’ve hoped and dreamed for would be difficult to attain. I am living the dream. What’s next? I must look over the edge again and challenge myself to what I am meant to do and be. This is part of my new vision. To do so, I must subject myself to be in a place of discomfort. Live on the edge… as some would say.

No one likes to walk away from a place of comfort. Change is unpredictable. Discomfort is (obviously) uncomfortable. I held off a day to post this blog entry. Yet, over the last 24-hours, Caitlyn Jenner is on the cover of Vanity Fair, Truth & Reconciliation recommendations were announced, and I just found out that a former student of mine is no longer with us. What the hell? If it is not now, then when?

“If we are growing, we are always going to be outside our comfort zone.” – John Maxwell

Here, here!!!

Serendipitous 

Serendipity is the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Yesterday was one of those days. From thinking too much to moving forward, I find myself in a state of listening, questioning, and reflecting. I am in deep introspection and wonder what my next steps will be in my pedagogical journey.

As mentioned in a previous blog entry, I was rudely awakened by the notion that I have already achieved my vision that I have been striving for over the last handful of years. When I had my vision, I truly didn’t expect to achieve it. Yet it happened exactly how I imagined it. Wow. On the one hand, I am pleasantly surprised. On the other hand, I am now burdened with the task of re-imagining what’s the next level.

I am reminded by Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement speech in 2005. He speaks about not being able to connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect the dots looking backwards. What is serendipitous is that you can actually see the dots connecting in real time. It spooked me out. I talked to the right people at the right time. Truly, a fluke. We talked about the right things at the right time. Totally random. For the purpose of the blog, it does not matter about the exactness of what was said or with whom. What does matter is… I was listening. I was questioning. And, I was reflecting. Clarity was achieved. The dots connected perfectly, as they should.

Moving Forward

“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.” – Steve Maraboli

It is seems so easy to keep things the way they are, to expend effort to keep things the same, and to maintain status quo at all costs. However, if you are not following your passion and purpose, then your spirit erodes and eventually dies. When the spirit dies, we are only kept alive by the doing of things and not the living of things. So, why not jump?

For last couple of weeks, I’ve been burdened by the heaviness of the status quo. I’ve been here before. It took many years spirit killing and a severe illness to jump back then. I was desperate to keep the status quo. It’s tough to move forward when you’re stuck. As a result, it took several years to regain my self-worth, my passion for education, and my drive to excel. This time I want to get ahead of the game and be proactive.

For the last 5 years, my pedagogical journey has been absolutely incredible. I am self-employed as an independent educational consultant. I am a school trustee, curriculum developer, doctoral student, and research assistant. This is just to name a few things that I have accomplished since leaving the practice. Do I ever miss teaching? Always. Am I learning? Always. I love what I have learned. I love the people I have met. I love the work that I do. So, what’s next? Certainly, I have a short term goal of completing my dissertation and research project. Then what? What I am certain of, I am not meant to tutor mathematics in my home for the rest of my life.

Everything that I currently do supports student learning in some way. I am passionate about making the learning experiences of others “better.” Maybe my passion and purpose are shifting? Maybe my focus is moving towards professional learning with the same intention in mind? Hmm… Lately, I’ve been asked (in many different ways)… What is your purpose? What is your passion? What is your plan? What is your goal? What do you do? What do you plan to do? What are you working towards?

What troubled me most about these questions were… I noticed (over and over again) and I had no clear and concise answer. There is no question that moving forward, taking chances, or making change can be a muddy process. In essence, I am building the plane in the air with great hopes of landing in a plane. I love everything that I do. No regrets. Yes, it may seem like I am doing 11 jobs, but love every one of them.

A rude realization, but also an indicator that it is time for the next chapter… I’ve just realized that the vision that I held onto for many years has already happened. With a couple of contacts ending, the school year ending, and hopefully my dissertation ending… this is an excellent time to reassess my purpose and passion, make new decisions, and create a new vision. Although there are many great things happening within the status quo, things can only get better by taking the next step.

Thinking Too Much

Classic. I am thinking about my thinking in today’s blog. Just the other day, I had this wonderful opportunity to take a moment for myself to sit alone and look out the window of my hotel room… in silence. There was no thinking, just being. I was oozing with gratitude and observed what was unfolding in front of me. People walking down the street, getting out of bed, or going about their daily life as if no one was watching them. It almost seemed timeless. This quiet state of being was soon interrupted by my thoughts. By thinking, I grew impatient. I started to judge. I stopped observing. In that moment, I thought it would be best to rush through my coffee, leave the hotel room, and get on with my day. On the one hand, thinking is functional. I need to think in my meetings, in my work, and in my studies. On the other hand, thinking is dysfunctional. I am not in the moment. I am focussed on the next step. I am not seizing the day. As a result, I am not “thinking” with my heart, only with my mind. My passion is minimized. My enthusiasm muted. My dreams unrealized. By operating in this mode of thinking, my decisions and actions may not best reflect what I truly want and desire. It protects me. This is unfortunate. I am a dreamer and believe anything is possible. Ironically, thinking closes my mind to possibilities. I become controlled. I cannot be the person I aspire to be. Yes, I am thinking too much. I need to balance my heart and mind. This will be tough for a Type A personality, like me. Thinking about my thinking does not make the situation any better, but reflecting on it brings it to my attention. Creativity, innovation, and exploration requires a bit of messiness and uncertainty. I am willing to accept this.

Thank You

With all that is happening “out there” in BC Education, I was to express my deepest gratitude to the delegates of the 2015 BC School Trustees’ Association (BCSTA) AGM. I am honoured to be elected as one of 7 board directors to serve member boards of BCSTA and students of British Columbia. We are faced with another difficult year in BC public education with the recent BC supreme court ruling regarding class size and composition, the implementation of Bill 11 and possibly erosion of local board autonomy as it approaches its third read in the legislature, and the continuance of building relationships with our education partner groups with hopes of providing a quality public education system within our communities. Whether if you look at the current situation in BC education as problematic or opportunistic, we are at the face of change. We must be prepared for these changes, not only as as a defender of public education but also a contributor. The best thing to keep in mind during this time of transformation is our purpose. How are we best serving the students in the BC public education? Regardless of what role you have in BC education… teacher, student, parent, administrator, community member, or school trustee… everything that we do must have student learning and our students’ best interests in mind. Each of us play an integral role in BC education and it takes ALL OF US to work together to “make things happen” for our students in our communities. Thank you once again. I look forward to working with the 2015/16 BCSTA Board of Directors.

BCSTA Director Re-Election

My name is Christine Younghusband and I am proud to announce that I am running for re-election on the 2015/16 BC School Trustees’ Association (BCSTA) Board of Directors for the position of Director. I am a mom, educator, doctoral student, and school trustee. I have 20 years experience in the field of education. I am passionate about and will continue to advocate for quality public education in BC.

Education is a right. Quality public education is a must. We are faced with another challenging year in BC Public Education. The organization has endured many challenges and changes, locally and provincially, and frustrated and disheartened given some recent events. Yet, locally elected boards of education continue to “stand up” and be the pillar of leadership and local advocacy in our communities.

Doing more with less cannot be BC Public Education’s tagline anymore. The extended labour dispute with teachers, $40/day, and the absence of trustee oversight on the BCPSEA Board put extraordinary stress on boards, communities, and families. I am thankful for reaching a bargained 5-year collective agreement with our teachers and having two trustees at the table, but the false hope of “business as usual” escapes boards with recent announcements regarding adult education, the admin savings plan, and Bill 11.

More so than ever, Boards of Education need to stand together as a collective provincial voice to advocate for BC public education. We face more political unrest and financial uncertainty. We need to speak our truth, be clear with our voice, and take leadership to advocate for our students in our communities who attend public schools and for the public good. There is no surplus in BC public education, yet there is a vision for transformation in the BCEd Plan. We need to move forward that best serves for our students, our communities, and BC public education.

If re-elected as BCSTA Director, I will to listen to you… member boards of BCSTA… and have your voice at the table to “stand up” for BC public education. I am seeking your support at the upcoming BCSTA AGM. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 604-741-3876 (cell) or trusteeyounghusband@gmail.com.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIN. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to seeing you soon at the AGM in April.

ELECT CHRISTINE YOUNGHUSBAND FOR BCSTA DIRECTOR 

Come and Go

When I left teaching in public schools, it was not an easy decision. There were many factors that led me to my decision and I have no regrets. As much as I loved teaching, I had to step away and take a new direction. In doing so, I struggled with the idea of losing connections with people. I was taking a new trajectory and creating a new norm. Taking a new path would result in meeting new people, but also potentially people leaving your life. This truth was disheartening.

Since leaving my teaching practice, I have met many incredible people and engaged in many learning opportunities I would not have had I stayed in the classroom. For this, I am thankful. For the first couple of years, it was difficult for me to move forward knowing that some of my friends, colleagues, or family members may not follow me on my journey. With each unfollow and unfriend, it would be easy to self-doubt my decision. With no announcement or goodbyes… they were just gone.

Five years later, what I have learned is that people will come and go regardless of my actions. Some may be attracted or aligned to what I am doing… that’s AWESOME!!! Some will continue to support me, unconditionally… and I thank you. For others, our paths will separate because we’re no longer aligned. We are moving in different directions and one of us chooses to leave. That’s OK. Our paths may reconnect once again, or not. I accept this phenomena. No more resisting. I am letting go.

As people come and go, I am thankful for the lessons that are learned. I am grateful for your mentoring and help. I am confident that our paths were meant to meet. I am passionate about what I am doing and I am taking steps towards my goal. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to my dreams and direction. #celebration

The Narrowing

Moments of inspiration. I spent one sunny afternoon walking on the beach looking for a quiet moment to ground myself. To my surprise, I found this rock. When I look at this rock and it reminds me of my professor and mentor and one of his simplistic drawings about academic research. He drew a circle with a narrow rectangle within it. He said the circle represents all that might be related to your research topic. This narrow rectangle represents your dissertation. On one side of your dissertation represents future research. The other side represents bullsh*t. Your job is to find the middle. Thank you Dr. Geoff Madoc-Jones. I will never forget you and your belief in me. I’ve always appreciated your encouragement, knowledge, and courage. You were one of a kind. This is rock is a friendly reminder of you, your kindness, and your wise words. Yes, I can see the middle. Missing you and your presence. #gratitude

Dianne Whalen

“I never think about why I can’t go.” – Dianne Whalen, 500 Days in the Wild

Oh dang… I missed my opportunity for a shameless selfie with Dianne Whalen. Although, I did get the opportunity to speak with her at the end of the PowHERhouse event, complimented with two hugs. What can I say? Dianne is an inspiration. She is wholehearted, positively optimistic, and genuine. I was so enamoured by her story at the 2014 Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts. I was equally entranced by Dianne at the PowHERhouse Women’s Mixer & Fundraiser on March 13, 2015. Her mission is to spend “500 Days in the Wild“… that is, walking, biking, and/or canoeing across Canada… and documenting her journey. I love her deep belief in herself, her matter of fact points of view, and her fearlessness to embark on this mission to realize her vision. “Fake it until you make it.” I love that attitude.

I would also like to thank Charlene Sanjenko from PowHERhouse for initiating and orchestrating this Women’s Mixer & Fundraiser event. It was a full house… Wall-to-wall women… Standing room only. Nothing I like more than the ongoing chatter of women. There is teaching, learning, and leading when that happens.  Thank you to all of the women who attended the event and to the women entrepreneurs and local businesses for donating prizes to the silent auction. I won a few prizes. Yay me. It was so awesome to connect with so many women at the Gibsons Public Market. Furthermore, it was an excellent opportunity to hang out at the Community Resource Centre‘s table to share the Executive Summary of The Progress Plan and promote the Self-Employed Women’s Network with Cheryl McNicol and Liz Banks.

Women connecting with other women on the Sunshine Coast and listening to Dianne Whalen for inspiration, it equates to an evening of awesomeness. “Think about what yo can do, not what you can’t.” Makes sense to me. #thankyouDianne

Counterintuitive Action

When life sends you messages, they are likely to come in three. Hello? Messages received. It dawned on me yesterday that sometimes ‘counterintuitive action’ is required. What do I mean by that? Well, here’s the first message. When my energy level is low and I’m feeling tired, don’t take a nap or go to bed. To re-energize, I should go for a walk, do yoga, or go curling. Read my last blog entry, “Late night walks.”

The second message is, when I find myself to be super busy, slow down and take a break. Don’t push through it. To speed up, I’ve got to slow down or else I will burnout.

The third message struck my like a brick. Someone asked me how I was doing yesterday. I responded by saying, “I’ve got to get stuff off my plate so that I can get to what I really want to do.” Another person later that day asked me if I can say NO. I said, “yes, I say no many times… to me.” This was a wake up call. In the business of helping and serving others, I need to help and serve myself. Sounds selfish, but you can’t give others what you don’t have. I have to make myself a priority.

I may have heard these messages before or have been told many times in one form or another. Some may have called them “distractions” while others may have said “non-negotiables.” What I would say is, “you cannot tell a drunk he/she is a drunk.” Rough language, I know… but it’s a metaphor. In essence, you cannot tell a person that he/she has a problem and expect enlightenment. It is up to the person to realize the problem and enact change… if he/she wants to change. That is my point.

Sometimes action is counterintuitive… and that’s OK. My first step today was both vinyasa yoga and walking on the beach. All three messages satisfied: getting physically active, slowing down the pace, and focussing on me. #feelinggood