This summer I was in a fortunate position to take 2 little trips for fun. One was a flight to my home state of Ohio for a niece's wedding. The other was a girlfriend beach getaway in Florida. As I prepared for each one, I was struck by the radically different approaches I was able to take in packing stuff, both practical and mental. I'm sure you can relate.
For the flight, I packed 2 carryon bags for my husband and I. I agonized over everything to make sure we had enough for a week in unpredictable weather, our wedding duds, extra shoes, etc. And then there's the minimal amount of liquids: my daily routine had to change somewhat but in small town northwest Ohio, it wasn't an issue. Still, I hoped my supersize can of hairspray and mousse were still hidden under the sink at my mom's house...not exactly what she needs for her fluffy white helmet hair. So we were each packed to the gills, with no room for any extra purchases. And that doesn't even begin to address the anxiety I feel about flying. I have a hard time enjoying it and can't relax until I reach the destination...and even then I start to dread the flight back the last few days of my trip! Yes, I'm a head case...but don't fly that much, so I forget how easy it all really is.
Now packing for a beach trip that was a few hours' drive away...well, the sky's the limit! Let's see, 2 nights, 3 days: yeah, 3 shorts, 10 tops, 1 jeans, workout duds, etc. More than I'd wear in a week, but you never know! And then the beach bag, food, cooler, full size liquids, shoes, sandals; because you never know! Just knowing we had the freedom to pack generously, have room for who knows what, and comfort to enjoy the ride greatly enhanced everything about the trip. There were no time constraints, so eating and potty stops were unlimited! Not to mention interesting sights along the way. Not that the trip to Ohio wasn't fun, because it was, but there were just a lot of restraints in the prep and journey to reach the destination.
As happens with much of my daily activities, I saw this as "blog material". I started to compare these activities to preparation and anticipation for the approaching school year. Am I going to prepare with minimal resources (clothes) and small-sized ideas (liquids)? Am I going to going to dread the school year (flight) until we end in June...landing the plane? Or am I going to go whole-hog generous into the year with more resources and ideas than I know I'll use. Am I going to enjoy every mile along the way, or only look at the destination? Am I going with an attitude of being up for anything, ready for whatever comes along, and having room for even more good stuff along the way?
How are you packing for the new year? With the bare minimum or ready for anything? Are you more concerned about getting it over with, or pumped for an exciting road trip? At my school, we're starting with a new Principal and Assistant Principal who are planning some very different things, yet returning to some old routines that look great. Some people are cautious about the changes or upset about not being a part of the planning, but I encouraged them to look forward to the trip, boldly going where no school has gone before! The initial "pre-trip agenda" that was sent out is something I've hoped for for a few years now, so I'm content to get on board, fasten my seat belt and enjoy the ride! I'll bring along my over-packed bags filled with ideas gleaned from summer trainings, readings, etc. and generously share them with my fellow travelers. I don't have to have planned the trip, but I do have to come along ready to support my companions. It helps to do some research on some of the best places we'll be "visiting", as I would for any trip, but I hold those expectations loosely if our "driver" goes in another direction.
Not only do we want to have a great trip, but I know any journey is more fun when our companions
are anticipating a good time and share our vision for the experience. You don't have to agree on the same places to eat, visit, etc. but you still have the same goal of a good time for all. So it is with a successful school year. The differences and diversity of a staff is what makes for an exciting school culture, yet having the same vision and what mission binds you together to create a memorable experience for all. When I look around our large staff meetings, I'm always delighted at the variety of educators our school has attracted, yet we all share the same mindset that we're there for our students and each other.
So what do you say we pack up the family station wagon a la Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo and head out for a year of fun and adventure. We'll have more fun than the Griswold's if we commit to each ourselves, our fellow teachers, our students, and our administrators to bring our generous best and to be ready for anything. Have an amazing year and stay grounded, friends!
