My college reunion was last weekend and two thoughts kept crossing my mind: gratitude and pride.
I am thankful for the amazing women I call friends. I had admired so many of them during college and am proud and honored to now call them friends. They taught me as much as any professor and I was amazed and humbled by the conversations last weekend that brought me right back to that sacred space of learning.
I am thankful for the college itself and it's mission. When I entered college I was on state assistance and had absolutely no capacity to pay for my education. Had it not been for several administrators, faculty and friends, I wouldn't have made it through. I am (proudly) a product of an excellent mission.
The second thought was that of accomplishment.
On a personal level, I feel really proud of myself. The last ten years were a little unexpected at times and not always fun. . . . At the five year reunion, I was coming off a very recent divorce and was raw and fragile. So much of my thoughts at that time were about survival and getting through the hand I had to play. Now, my musings are much more fun-- I have moved from thinking about survival to thinking about living. What have I done in 10 years and what do I want to do with the next 10?
To be honest, I still feel like I am on the cusp of something professionally or intellectually-- waiting for that ah ha moment-- thinking big thoughts about priorities, mission, balance and so many more. . .
But for as much dis-rest I might have on that front, I am actually VERY proud of the intention I have brought to my personal life. For once, I feel like I am right where I need to be. My kids, my husband, my dog and even red fish, all right where they need to be.**
My family is my greatest accomplishment in the last ten years. As a perennial searcher, I seemed to have found myself a home that makes me so pleased and content.
"Mommy, I am happy"
Me too, James.
**I recognize that kids, a hubby and a dog might not be everyone's bag but for me right now, this fitz.
I am thankful for the amazing women I call friends. I had admired so many of them during college and am proud and honored to now call them friends. They taught me as much as any professor and I was amazed and humbled by the conversations last weekend that brought me right back to that sacred space of learning.
I am thankful for the college itself and it's mission. When I entered college I was on state assistance and had absolutely no capacity to pay for my education. Had it not been for several administrators, faculty and friends, I wouldn't have made it through. I am (proudly) a product of an excellent mission.
The second thought was that of accomplishment.
On a personal level, I feel really proud of myself. The last ten years were a little unexpected at times and not always fun. . . . At the five year reunion, I was coming off a very recent divorce and was raw and fragile. So much of my thoughts at that time were about survival and getting through the hand I had to play. Now, my musings are much more fun-- I have moved from thinking about survival to thinking about living. What have I done in 10 years and what do I want to do with the next 10?
To be honest, I still feel like I am on the cusp of something professionally or intellectually-- waiting for that ah ha moment-- thinking big thoughts about priorities, mission, balance and so many more. . .
But for as much dis-rest I might have on that front, I am actually VERY proud of the intention I have brought to my personal life. For once, I feel like I am right where I need to be. My kids, my husband, my dog and even red fish, all right where they need to be.**
My family is my greatest accomplishment in the last ten years. As a perennial searcher, I seemed to have found myself a home that makes me so pleased and content.
"Mommy, I am happy"
Me too, James.
**I recognize that kids, a hubby and a dog might not be everyone's bag but for me right now, this fitz.