A few years ago I posted a blog post about retiring…but not yet. The basic premise was that I was in the deferred retirement program and knew the “end was in sight”, but that the celebratory, freeing feeling and attitude that it gave me didn’t have to wait until that fateful day at the end of October, 2020. I could have that attitude everyday, not putting important things off until I had more time, like being with family, working out, etc. So now, the end really is nearing and it’s got me thinking about some other things I don’t want to put off. It may become a series, but for now, given my blogging regularity, I’ll settle for one column!
This summer, I had a beach getaway with a girlfriend who retired a couple years ago. She too had been a Media Specialist and made the comment, concerning my last year, that I really can’t “sweat the small stuff” anymore; to have a totally pleasant, fun, memorable final year and not let the usual people and circumstances irritate me the way that I’ve let them in the past. To just let whatever it is that gets under my skin, and there are a few things in that category (but don’t worry, I won’t name names) just bounce off, be Teflon, etc. Wow! What a freeing statement. Simple, yes, but powerful! Yet, why haven’t I been like that all along? Why wait until my final 1 ¼ year to adopt that way of working?
Now, if you don’t know me, you might think, “boy, she must be a real pain to work with, going around being ticked off easily, etc.” Well, no, actually I think I’m quite pleasant! Here’s my Sally Field moment, but I think people like me! But I’m just pretty good and not letting people know how much they interrupted my very important to do list or agenda; or not reacting to those staff members who don’t share my work ethic; or the teachers who didn’t read my last email about not doing _______________________ (fill in the blank…because they ALWAYS DO IT AND NEVER RESPECT WHAT I DO IN THE MEDIA CENTER!). See…perfectly pleasant and easy going!
But when a situation calls for me to speak up, give gentle reminders, redirect a situation, defend my policies, you can bet I’ll do it…but there are still plenty of times I’ll do a subversive eye-roll and vent when I get home. As I say quite often, and I still think it’s t-shirt worthy, “I’m a Welcome Mat, Not a Door Mat”. I’ve been able to develop pleasant relationships at my school and hope I’ve been able to create an atmosphere of warmth and welcome to all students and teachers.
I’d much rather move on to the next chapter of my life leaving a trail of kindness and joy, and a bunch of laughs if possible! Sometimes I feel like the Heath Ledger Joker with a “why so serious” expression. When what I’d rather have is the love and forgiveness and kindness every day, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE PEOPLE AND YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! (just kidding, they probably don’t even read this!). My joy for my work and my life rests in my identity of what my gifts are, and letting everything else fall by the wayside. How freeing! I can resist that temptation to respond negatively to any situation, knowing that it’s not going to be edifying to me or the other person. To be careful to not let any bitterness take root concerning another person, place or experience. I want to pursue what I’m called to do at my school (and life in general) and do it with my whole heart. To run the race with endurance, as Paul says.
So how are you starting the new year? Excited? Anxious? Looking forward to new relationships, but renewing old ones? Yes to all, I’m sure. But how about picturing those co-workers who you have allowed ( because it’s rarely, if never, deliberate) to rob the joy at your job, and making up your mind to love them, accept them, be kind to them, and let everything else fall by the wayside. Determine to handle situations the same way, and you’ll have a wonderful year.
I hope you get off to a great 2019-2020 year, Friends! Remember nothing’s more important than showing kindness to someone else and blessing their day. Stay Grounded!
