Outside looking in.

When we are in the midst of our crazy lives, it is hard to take a step back and really appreciate everything going on.  However, personal reflection is so crucial to have a happy and balanced life.  Within this past year of my Servant Leadership program, I have had to do A LOT of reflection.  So much, that if I have to write another paper about myself, my leadership style or my weaknesses I might strangle somebody.  However, it is been incredibly moving and I have learned quite a bit about myself.  In fact, this program is what made me realize that the path I was on (working a million hours a week and speeding through life) was not a good one.  It caused me to really think about what I wanted in this world and what my goals and passions truly are.

Imagine your life as a party, people around you, music pumping and just pure craziness going on.  It can be fun, it can be stressful.   You are right smack in the middle of the dance party, so often times it is hard to see the whole picture.  Now imagine what that party were to look like if you were viewing it from a balcony.  You might notice a little more, see some things you had no idea were going on, you would see the “big picture”.   Often, when I am going through my day it is one thing after another, I don’t have time to think about it or appreciate it.  For example, a typical thought of mine in a day might be “Argh, I have so many student appointments and meetings today!”  Even though I truly love what I do and I love students, the amount of energy it takes to get through a whole day of appointments and meetings can be daunting.  When I look at my day like that, it is always going to cause me a little anxiety.  But instead I have to remember, I don’t HAVE to meet with students all day, I GET to.  I am not just meeting with them, I am helping them explore the next chapters of their life.  I am giving them relief in this often overwhelming process in choosing a college.   I GET to help them and make a difference.  Anytime I go into an appointment like that, it goes well.  Why?  Because I am fully present yet I am also on the outside looking in.   But if I treat it as just another part of my to do list that day and try to rush through it, that student will not get the full benefit of my attention.

The other day, I had a group of 4th and 5th graders come to campus for a fun day of learning about college.  This is another cool part of my job that I get to do all the time.  However, it happens so often that sometimes I can think “Ugh, another middle school visit, just gotta get through this.”  No no, I GET to teach middle school students about college and hopefully light a fire that helps them realize later in life that is a possibility for them.  I don’t HAVE to, I GET to.

Think about your day to day responsibilities.  Do you often get caught up in the “I have to’s” and forget to look at the big picture?  Doesn’t matter what it is you do, you are part of a bigger picture somehow.  Don’t forget to not only enjoy the party while it is going on, but to take a moment and hang out on the balcony to appreciate it for everything it’s worth.