Something New

With our recent status update and the absence of Teacher Talk Tuesdays (I tried real hard to make this work last year but being an Instructional Coach doesn't quite lend itself to weekly posts like the enchanting world of being a classroom teacher, more often than not it came our way too "teacher-y" which doesn't exactly appeal to the masses). I've been itching for some sort of regular topic to blog about. This is mostly because a large reason I enjoy having a blog is because I enjoy writing and a blog allows me to list writing as one of my hobbies (score!). Exactly one month ago I turned 29 which led to the conception of a new idea... here goes nothing...

Over the years I’ve come to learn I’m not a fan of unsolicited advice. This is mostly because, personally, I rarely take it (and between you and me I never really think I need it which comes from an interesting combination of inexplicable confidence in my own abilities and a strong will). I learn by doing and always prefer to learn about something first-hand. I’ll listen to advice when it’s given but in my head I always think, “But I’m not you and I’ve made my decision so I guess we’ll see how this turns out.” To me saying, “This is based solely on my experience and I acknowledge, appreciate, and even hope you will have a different experience than me,” sounds much more genuine than, “let me tell you how this is going to be.”

I do enjoy sharing experiences. Scratch that, I love sharing experiences. I find it fascinating to hear someone else’s account of something whether I’ve experienced it or not. People, more often than not, can be wonderful story tellers when they’re talking about a personal experience.  This is especially enjoyable when you’re talking about experiences almost anyone can relate to such as relationships, work, growing up, etc. Speaking of growing up… this is a subject I’ve thought a lot about lately. Between working closely with first year teachers last year, turning 29 this summer, and my little brother turning 18(!) growing up has been at the forefront of my mind for some time.

A funny thing happens when you reach your late 20’s… people take it upon themselves to inform you that you’re almost old. I can never tell how this is supposed to be received. Is this good? bad? meant to help? meant to harm? meant to make the other person feel better (as in: thank god more people are joining my group: The group of old)? meant to make you feel better, like you’re not alone? I haven’t quite figured out a motive. What I do know is when I look back at my twenties I find myself chuckling at my own transformation. Just as I did with my “Newlywed Truths” I thought it’d be interesting to recount my experiences to reflect on the phenomenon that I'm almost old. I’m not certain of a lot but I think it's safe to conclude the journey from 20 to old is intense. Upon further review, I can actually identify clear stages within my twenties that helped shape me into who I am now. In general, I think we can all agree there is a negative stigma around the concept of old. I get the feeling I’m supposed to feel disappointed, depressed, or even sorrowful about the life I’m leaving behind but I’m not buying it. Perhaps through a little reflection I can figure out how to redefine old if for no other reason than my own peace of mind.

“But, where do I start?” Dorothy asks.

“It’s always best to start at the beginning… and all you do is follow the yellow brick road.” –Glinda

Let the journey begin.