It was humbling and full of tough lessons that probably could have killed my spirit, but they have strengthened me (as they always seem to do!)! Yes, and the lessons are so varied that i shall now ramble a bit below about them (in no particular order, and really only a sampling of the major lessons):
A. I went further on down the road on my Search for Sagacity. But I have NOT arrived....probably never will, but that's okay!
B. I walked away from stress rather than trying to solve problems that didn't want to be solved.
C. I made more time for my family and home and friends. Very VERY proud of this accomplishment!
D. I continue to realize that I have soooo many different interests and never feel like I have enough time to do all that I want. The constant words in my head are: "WHY are there so many cool things to explore in this world!?!??!" It's an endless smorgasboard (sp?)...recalling Auntie Mame: "Life a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death."
E. I refined this new way of communicating/discovering possibilities and solutions that Center for Transforming Communities (CTC) reveals/teaches me as a board member with the great event that we hosted in Memphis on Nov. 14th. Additional bonuses of the event were:
- I was extremely proud to be on the design team for this event.
- I learned so much from Block, Brueggeman and McKnight.
- I was amazed at not only the great diversity in the room of 300+ people, but their enthusiasm to experience this new, different conversation!
F. I focused in and tried harder to listen to the voice or direction that God is trying to take me....but I still don't speak His same language.
G. I'm getting closer to understanding how to best use my gifts/talents....but I still have a hard time focusing on what exactly in this huge world would be the best nonprofit organization to fully support. I thought I had found the npo that i could be very passionate about, and yes, i am passionate about it, but I will have to be passionate from afar and not as a direct strategic organizer.
This leads me to realize that maybe consulting is really the best place for me b/c i don't have a singular passion like others who have life-long careers in a particular organization. My PASSION is really helping others see the strategic solution to making their passion successful. I am most happy when someone is able to be successful because I helped them discover a path they didn't realize was there. I love hearing: "Oh, I didn't think about it that way. Yes, that is a good idea. Let's try it." I love to see the lightbulbs start glowing in people's minds and hearts. I truly am a teacher at heart (where I began my career right after grad school), but just not the kind of teacher in the classroom. I'm a pretty good teacher when the students are excited and open to learning something new....i guess ALL teachers could say that! ha!
H. FINALLY, we finally took the "REAL" pet plunge w the adoption of our sweet new dog, Fella from the Germantown Animal shelter last week. (huge step for one like me) He loves me so much and that sure feels great!!
2012 is almost over and i look forward to the challenges and opportunities of 2013....i look forward to doing MORE of what I love in the coming year!
