The Perfect Dismount
End of Week 18 – July 19, 2020 – Pandemic Reflections
It’s a good feeling to know that you have landed the perfect dismount. Well… not perfect en route, but landed on both feet. The angst over the last two weeks brought me to the question, what’s important to me? I had look at self in a critical way and observe past behaviour to make a decision that I would feel content and satisfied with. I stayed loyal to my manifesto and things are falling into place. If anything, I am grateful to have friends who I can confide in and who will provide unconditional support. It’s been a 10-year journey of transformation and this chapter is ending.
Although I felt a bit heavy earlier today, I had a very joyful day yesterday. I took the day off and spent the day with my daughter. During that time, I read a short book on the joy of beading, enjoyed the sun, and received a small gift from a friend. It all seemed very serendipitous. To me, this was a signal that things were going in the right direction. As much as I am very pandemic compliant, I have enjoyed this time to reflect and identify what’s important to me. My 19th wedding anniversary is coming and we are not celebrating, my 50th birthday is on the horizon, and my baby is in Grade 12. I am starting all over again. This is the end of the third chapter of my life.
What’s important to me:
- My kid.
- My health.
- My dog.
- My family.
- My friends.
- My learning.
- My service.
- My teaching.
- My quality of life.
- My career.
What do I value:
- Learning
- Reflection
- Lifting others
- Connection
- Community
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Contribution
- Safety
- Security
What I do:
- Math educator
- Teacher educator
- Researcher
- Writer/Blogger
- Curler
What interests me:
- how people acquire knowledge
- how people lead and systems
- local Indigenous peoples and perspectives
- small communities in Northern BC
- math efficacy and math pedagogy
Everyone is on a journey. Mine is not “traumatizing” by any means, but it’s my pedagogical journey and the one that I struggle with. What I know and understand is that everything must be intentional, aligned to what you value, and it provokes your passion. My lesson is, you don’t do things for others… you do it for yourself… and in return, you serve others. Do the work and you will be seen. Do what you love and take risks. Connect yourself to the right people who will help you rise as you do the same for others. I feel so inspired and grateful for those who support me and recognize my work. Be present and enjoy the gifts that are around you. As one of my friends had said to me, “I am so glad you can see the brighter side of things.”