Happy Friday, everyone. Just a brief note this week. Apropos of nothing, I wanted to share my favorite quote, from James Baldwin: “Any real change implies the breakup of the world as one has always known it, the loss of all that gave one an identity, the end of safety. And at such a moment, unable to see and not daring to imagine what the future will now bring forth, one clings to what one knew, or dreamed that one possessed. Yet, it is only when a man is able, without bitterness or self-pity, to surrender a dream he has long cherished or a privilege he has long possessed that he is set free—he has set himself free—for higher dreams, for greater privileges. All men have gone through this, go through it, each according to his degree, throughout their lives. It is one of the irreducible facts of life.”
It seems the messaging in Friday Notes always come just as they are needed. We have just completed our annual performance reviews. Along with highlights of some wonderful things I’ve worked on, I was also challenged in areas that, at first thought, I did not feel we’re areas of growth for me. My initial reaction was one of stubbornness, selfishness, and pride. Why should I make changes in this area? It’s working for me. But, what is working for me may not be working for others. In fact, it may not be really working for me either. One thing I love about our community is the push to grow beyond our current state and reach down to realize that we each have more potential. It is easy for me to see that in my work with the children and even when I work to support other Guides. But it becomes a challenge when I think about pushing myself. Change is hard, but necessary for growth and deeper understanding of the people and world around us as well as a deeper understanding of ourselves.
"…one of the irreducible facts of life…"
Hey Matt!
It seems the messaging in Friday Notes always come just as they are needed. We have just completed our annual performance reviews. Along with highlights of some wonderful things I’ve worked on, I was also challenged in areas that, at first thought, I did not feel we’re areas of growth for me. My initial reaction was one of stubbornness, selfishness, and pride. Why should I make changes in this area? It’s working for me. But, what is working for me may not be working for others. In fact, it may not be really working for me either. One thing I love about our community is the push to grow beyond our current state and reach down to realize that we each have more potential. It is easy for me to see that in my work with the children and even when I work to support other Guides. But it becomes a challenge when I think about pushing myself. Change is hard, but necessary for growth and deeper understanding of the people and world around us as well as a deeper understanding of ourselves.