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Monday, September 1, 2008

Change..we cry out for change…yet what do we resist more?

Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. ~Pauline R. Kezer

We cry out for change…yet what do we resist more? How is it that innately we are such creatures of conformity yet our instinct is to be agents of change…how do we manage the two…how do we empower ourselves to make the needed and desired changes. There are many kinds of changes...but for the most part they fall into two categories…the ones we desire and implement and the ones that affect our external life yet we have no control over. For now we will focus on change that we desire…change that we hope will enrich our lives.

What are the changes we want to see...in our own lives…our relationships…our communities? What are we willing to do in order to enact that change? Do we believe that the identified change will warrant the time/energies taken to achieve the change? How will we go about it? What are the tools needed to support the endeavor? What is our game plan? When at first of blush of things not working out as we had planned will we have the will to persevere? It is in the answers to these questions that we will find the basis for implementing our changes.

As daunting as a plan of change can be…it is also most invigorating…it is reminder that we hold the keys to our destiny...that we can achieve our desires.
They say Spring is the time of renewal, a time of new growth, of change…I however believe that fall is the true season of new beginnings…of fresh starts. Perhaps as the air thins and the light sharpens, vistas previously blurred by the summer sun’s haze, are now easily with in our view and with such clarity, contrast and brilliance. For many of us fall brings that same precision and depth of sight inward…to how we see ourselves, to see how far we can go, to see the plans and projects we previously abandoned and neglected as we embraced the allure of summer and life outside, we see again with renewed energy and zest.

If we take that clarity of vision and like a child on the first day of a new school year, think mainly of the new opportunities, yes, last year was important, its lessons provided the foundation on which we continue to build,…it is from here that we begin anew.
As a child September was a time of fresh new notebooks, razor sharp pencils and books that still hold the smell of the ink. It still is …our lives are like those new notebooks…the notebook itself, it’s cover and binding ... is the current structure or framework of our life, but the blank pages …our future…ours to create and enhance. The pencils…the tools we will need to ensure success. The books are our access to knowledge, self knowledge, acquired knowledge and yet to be acquired knowledge, and our willingness to open them.

Like a new student full of hope and energy, look at the situation you are choosing to change, look with clarity and honesty and form the list of the changes you wish to make, then arm yourself with the proper tools… a road map, clearly highlighting both your starting point as well as your desire destination… your itinerary, when and how you will be implementing the needed steps…a clear understanding of the importance of the change, a firm belief that you are capable of achieving it, a vision of your life when the change has taken place, and access to any and all knowledge you have that will aid you in your success.

So as fall arrives, and the stores are stocked with shiny bright new school supplies…shinny new hope, hope that this will be the year…the year I get all my homework done...the year I make the A team….the year I pay attention in class…that this will be a great year….LET THIS BE YOUR YEAR…your season of CHANGE…Change that YOU design!!!
Good Luck…Suzi

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Suzi,

I can't agree with you more about the Fall... I am starting a new job and adventure on Thursday after not working for 2.5 months. I am welcoming the new beginning and change! I am keeping an open mind and staying positive for all good things to come my way. This is my year! Thanks for the empowering words... Kyla xoxo

LITeacher said...

This is a very inspirational piece. I think I will print it and post it for my kids to read. Maybe it will give them inspiration for the upcoming school year. I know I am feeling uplifted as we teachers start our first full day tomorrow!
Thanks for the renewed spirit.
Maureen :)
http://healourlives.blogspot.com

Suzi said...

Kyla...Congratulations!! I have no doubt you will approach this year with an open mind and an open heart…and I wish you an abundance of joy, fun and love. This is your year!!
Suzi
oxo

Suzi said...

Maureen…Thanks! The beginning of a new school year…does it get any better? We all love (and need sometimes) fresh starts. What ages do you teach? Good luck…I hope it’s an all-around excellent year for you and your students. Suzi

LITeacher said...

Hi Suzi,
My building is a kindergarten center. I work mostly with kindergarten children. However, I do some staff development with the other math consultants in my district. We do workshops on differentiated instruction strategies for teachers throughout the district. I also sometimes get to do enrichment classes for students in 2nd and 3rd graders in some of the other schools in my district. It is a very challenging and yet rewarding job. I am grateful for it everyday. I enjoy reading your posts on your blog. They definetly are thought provoking and uplifting. I look forward to your comments on my blog as well.
http://healourlives.blogspot.com

Rev. Julieanne Paige, O.M.C. said...

Hi Suzi

I have always been one for change. I have travelled extensively living all over the world, but now that I am getting older I am trying to stay in one place for a while but I still get itchy feet.

I have a thought (I think comes from Buddha)that reminds me that change is inevitable:
'The world is always changing, therefore never changing'so I still welcome it.

My fiance started back teaching this week and went to his new job with a new car, new clothes, and a new bag. It sounds funny but I was a little excited for him as I remembered the first days of school. Everything new!

This is a great time of year!

Julieanne