When the people around you aren't necessarily moving towards the same goals as you are, you have to reach in and out to gain the support you need to move towards the goals you've set and the vision that calls you. Further, when those goals come from deep inside you, you simply have to reflect on that inner motivation and then trust the inspiration, energy, and direction it brings.
Fortunate to have time to delve into the study and efforts that call me, I find myself creating list upon list to direct me forward, to move me beyond some of the practices that have been embedded in me to practices that are far richer with regard to the destinations I seek.
What does this mean in real time?
First, it means making substantial time to read. I have a big pile of wonderful books that I've carefully chosen to read this summer. In many ways I'm hungry for the stories, wisdom, research, and directives that exist in those books--I want to read, and I want to read because I know those books will help me to teach better, parent better, and live better. I want that knowledge and wisdom.
Next it means getting out into nature by biking, hiking, swimming, and exploring. This is healthy for me and makes me a more capable, energized, and knowledgeable environmental education teacher for my students.
And it means making my life richer, not in dollars, but in the way I live with healthier foods, positive activities, meaningful relationships, and, in general, time well spent.
The goal is to live well and promote that kind of positive living with those I love, people in the communities I belong to, and the leaders I support.
There is limitless opportunity for betterment, and I see this opportunity in every direction that I look. Rather than spend time and money in wasteful, dead-end ways, there's so many ways to pool our resources to better opportunity and living for all in ways that lead to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a worthy direction to move.
As I think back in life to the main sources of energy I've felt over time, I remember well what called me. In the early years, I was called to be a good family member and friend. Later I looked forward to marriage, children, caring for my family, teaching, and good times with the people I love. Now I continue to relish times with those I love, and I also seek greater wisdom and knowledge to do my work well and promote a positive mindset and action in the world. I hate to see time, capacity, or money wasted in errant vision or directions, but instead, I want to promote the promise and potential our world holds for good living. I've seen how good work over time has translated into better living for people and this is valuable--a direction worth my effort, time, and energy. Onward.
