As I am often exposed, I find myself immersed into learning opportunities as long as I can see them. This week has provided an opportunity and what is the expectation here? It was one of those weeks that I just couldn’t seem to find the level of motivation, inspiration, or energy that is needed in order to give to myself, and definitely needed in order to see my opportunities to give to others. It happens and without overthinking what I was feeling, I was still able to take care of my needs while not resisting what I was experiencing.
I accepted where I was at while embracing that this is just another lesson amongst many more to come. I recognized that I must continue to practice what I speak to. I trusted the process while embracing the necessary steps; want, belief, and commitment. I approached these moments I was experiencing in a manner that allowed me to see an opening, versus a closing. By doing this I was able to ask myself, what’s the expectation here? Yeah, so? Well, often we don’t ask ourselves the needed questions that we may avoid or resist because it protects us. It puts it (whatever that may be) away in that place that we may feel has our back, but quite honestly only makes us more vulnerable…
So, as I thought about what I wanted to share today, I was influenced by an experience that came my way earlier today. I took part in a collaborative meeting with a student (I am overseeing) and a colleague of mine/field faculty member. My role in this meeting was not only as a facilitator of learning, but an extension of support, guidance, and availability. The meeting was a great opportunity to once again model a positive example that we can give as helping professionals. The opportunity to provide feedback, direction, and validation to this student was not only necessary, but a powerful tool that can instruct, empower, and move one forward.
What happens as a result can provide awareness, growth, and areas of development that can truly impact future opportunities for this student. My participation in this meeting is something I value, respect, and am truly invested in. When one teaches, two learn, and as I struggled earlier in the week with something that I would not let get the best of me, I gained some further perspective…
You see, often we walk into our daily activities and responsibilities with an expectation. “If we don’t accomplish this then…” If we don’t hear back from X then…” “If I don’t get that job then…” and many, many more actions that can come into our space. This can be a challenging process that often finds us punishing ourselves with what really we can not control. Often we can be very hard on ourselves, judgmental in a manner that creates only more suffering. So, I ask you, what is the expectation here? What is it that you are striving to achieve? What’s going to validate it for you?
I want you to think about all of this as it pertains to your experience(s), and use my example as an opportunity to find that opening that works for you. When you are able to stop, reflect, and see where you are at, it is much easier to recognize what you can control, and what you can not…My participation in this meeting and what I was able to give and receive (in the process) allowed me to put my week into perspective. It allowed me to see that I am doing exactly what I should be doing.
It allowed me to recognize and appreciate that the expectation that I created for myself, the one that had me questioning what I could not control is exactly just that, my own. Another opportunity to add to my work in progress, while continuing to trust the process. It’s all good when you are, and everything else will work itself out as it should. If it doesn’t there is no need to worry or collapse, there is still an opportunity, as long as you can see it! Be well to yourself as you move into your weekend. If I have opened a door for you, then I have accomplished what I set out to do, the next step is all yours…
