We are not Alone…

I am a fiercely independent person. Freedom is a fundamental value for me, and in my psyche, independence and freedom are intrinsically linked. I walk my own path, even when it is rocky. I cannot help but follow my heart, because any attempt to subdue its voice fails very quickly. I have no internal tolerance to “just do what you are told”. I just can’t.

I have grown to accept this about myself, and just live my life. However, as you know, life and the G.O.D. have a wicked sense of humour.

I chose teaching as a career. I chose it because I love learning, and I feel everyone should learn to love learning because it is so rewarding.

G.O.D. having an ear to the ground, read my plan and sent me the material I needed - for myself.

Throughout my teaching career, I chose to work with people who had learning challenges. I especially enjoyed working with people whose learning difficulties were rooted in their perceptions of themselves.

Imagine…

Now, I am officially retired; but really, I am refired.

I am writing a course, the purpose of which is to help people learn to be more resilient by tapping into their creativity. Research supports the premise for this, as there are many features of a creative perspective that are also features of resilience. Studies show that creative people understand the importance of attitudes and behaviours that support resilience.

The course is in the development phase. So far, I have drafted the introduction, the outline, and the first class out of a series of six. I have decided on the order in which the themes will be sequenced, and I have a format.

My intention is to launch this in September, online.

As I was writing and reviewing my work, I looked at the list of characteristics shared by creative and resilient people. When I reached number six, something in me clicked. Connection; why was this retaining my attention?

I am a sociable person, despite my strong solitary leaning. I belong to artist communities, have good friends, participate in community initiatives. Why is “connection” retaining my attention?

Then I got it. I have many circles of people in my life, but I don’t ask for help. I share my knowledge and my skills, do my share in projects, but I don’t ask for help.

My independence is in fact, a double-edged sword. It helps me have my own perspective, and supports me in making choices that are authentic.

Reflection, however, revealed a very strange belief: somehow, I developed a belief that I must do everything alone, unaided, for the outcome to be valuable, worthy.

Imagine…

Yes, I teach so I can learn. Writing this course is something I have wanted to do for a very long time. Yet, as I look around me now, I can identify so many people in my life that would be happy to play an important role in my endeavours. I am not the only one who feels valued when people ask me to contribute in some way. Allowing for a more reciprocal exchange would be so enriching in so many ways. I don’t have to do everything all by myself.

It looks like once again, the G.O.D. has steered me in the right direction