Mindful Monday: Go For It

 

Change is hard. It's uncomfortable. It can be scary. No one likes stepping out of their comfort zone. 

But the fact is, whether we like it or not, change is inevitable and a part of life. 

I love the idea that, "to become a butterfly, you must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a capatillar." 

I feel like life works this way. When making a choice to do something, you simultaneously, whether you realize it or not, make a choice to give up the opportunity to do something else. By saying 'yes' to one thing, you innately are saying 'no' to something else, and vice versa.  

While some extent of 'FOMO' (fear of missing out) has always existed, with the rapid growth of social media, 'FOMO' has skyrocketed over the last 10 or so years. It's hard not to compare yourself to others when scrolling through the various social media platforms. How often have you waited to make a choice until the last minute fearing to commit to something "too early", that a better opportunity might come along? We are quick to second guess ourselves. And often we play the 'what if' game. What if I fail? What if it doesn't work? What if I don't like it? It's easy to feel paralyzed when trying to make a choice wondering if it's the right one.

But I'd challenge you to change your inner dialogue to: What if it does work? What if I do like it? What if I soar? 

And here's the best part.

1) Taking chances and making choices can sometimes lead us down roads that we never knew existed. We cannot always foresee the amazing things that might lie just ahead. They may lead you to opportunities you never once considered or possibilities you never dreamed of. And how exciting is that? Scary? Sometimes. But ultimately, exciting! If we knew exactly how things would turn out or knew the ending of every book we read or movie we watched before we even started, what would be the point? The discovery and the journey is what makes life worth living. If there ever was one profession that epitomized this truth, it's definitely teaching. You never know what each day will hold and where life will take you. 

2) If you fail, or if it doesn't work out, or even if you don't like it, guess what? You have the ability to make a new choice and head down a new path. Making a choice doesn't have to be a forever decision. You are allowed to change course. I'm going to say that again. You are allowed to change course. Whether you are 22, 42 or 62, you don't have to have it all figured out. Life is ever changing, and regardless if we choose to acknowledge it or not, we change right alongside it. Part of making a "wrong" choice is so you know what not to do next time and know what the "right" choice is. 

As you begin to reflect on this school year and you think about the choices made, don't second guess yourself, don't play the what if game. Instead, know that each choice has led you here. Each choice has brought you into the lives of your students, and for that, we are grateful! 

Going forward, don't let fear be a part of your decision making process. Embrace your choice and want something so badly that you are willing to forgo something in place of it.