Happy *almost* New Year, friends.
Despite being a techie teacher, I have thoroughly enjoyed selectively unplugging for the past week. Between preparing for family birthdays and holiday events, I dusted off several books that have patiently waited for my return and enjoyed some of my Netflix favorites. Speaking of Netflix, I absolutely love the television show Blue Bloods. Although I appreciate a good cop drama, my favorite aspect of this show is the wisdom and wit of the characters, particularly Frank Reagan. In every single episode, I find myself writing down a quote or two that strike me as brilliant….and inspiring this post.
As I reflect on 2018 and create my vision board for 2019, I recognize that it has been a year of change – changes in our family, in our professions, and in the world that surrounds us. I have experienced the highest of highs – earning my National Board Certification and seeing our Dare to Innovate Virtual Professional Development formally published. I’ve also seen my share of challenges – challenges that tug at heartstrings and result in me leaning in more so than ever before.
As I binge-watched Blue Bloods this week, Police Commissioner Frank Reagan so eloquently stated,
” Situations like these don’t build character. They reveal it.”
Let that sink in.
We’ve all heard the saying, “Life isn’t fair.” Perhaps, life really isn’t fair. But, we, as humans, are created for challenges. We are resilient. The greatest of highs and the deepest of lows provide the best opportunities for us to show the universe the threads of the fabric that defines our character.
As I reflect on my role as a parent, educator, and colleague, I realize how it is more important than ever to embrace challenges rather than fear them. It is through life’s challenges that we reveal our character – and, perhaps, even test it – so that we emerge with more wisdom and resiliency that we entered, better prepared for life’s next mountain.
In the wisdom of Frank Reagan,
Life should be a series of daring adventures, launched from a secure base.
What better gift can we provide for the next generation that a space that is safe to daring take risks without fear of failure?
As I enter 2019, one of my goals is to intentionally create a learning space that is a secure base – in my home and in my classroom – that celebrates the pathway more than the success, that discusses strategies to overcome barriers to challenges rather than quiver in fear of failure, and reflect on the learning opportunities that accompanied the journey.
Here’s to 2019 – a year of adventure!