Seeing Patterns (363)

Our minds are mysterious. None alike. Each with a different lens, a different processor, a unique perspective. We all crave something, we have habits, rituals, routines. We have preferences. Some of us can curb a craving. Some of us bend it its will. We find things funny, sad or exhilarating- while the same things are dull to others. 

The awareness we have of our minds, how they work- is also unique. Some reflect, meditate and seek moments of epiphany that lead them to a new awakening. Others fight the urge to change and grow because changing and growing is difficult. Determining we are not perfect and need to alter course is hard for a lot of people. For when you do- you can never go back.

We are trained to see patterns. To get into a rhythm of push, pull. Stretch, rebound. We begin to notice when we are exhausted. When we are ready to try something new. We begin to pay attention in times when things are going great. How did we get here? What can I do to stay here- in this euphoria? But it vanishes sometimes just as quickly as it arrived. We have more distractions bouncing off our shields, then we have moments to reflect.

We are human and humans crave immediate response, immediate reward, immediate satisfaction. And so we continue often in a pattern of our making. One where we only see the flashing lights, hear the band as it trumpets out a march. We often move from parade to parade so the cadence never stops. But the end of the parade is inevitable. There is always the discarded streamers and popped balloons that need to be collected.

This is the season of parades, glimmering lights and shiny streamers. This is the moment where we let our guard down and simply celebrate. And we should. We earned it. This has been a hard year, to say the least. But after the disco ball descends, we must hunker down and again look for different patterns. Patterns long designed and implemented by our students, our families and our goals and aspirations.

Intentions. Actionable progress. Growth and a little bit of organized chaos. Lean in and look around. The rubble left by 2020 needs to be reassembled. We need to construct new foundations. Your one word, your goals, your hopes- let them flow. Then grab one- just one and roll with it. Too many goals is a distraction. Lessen your distractions- eliminate ambiguity. 

See the edges, sharpen your focus and grab one- and make it happen. Then grab another and make it happen. One by one the march- the parade, the band of trumpets, trombones and the rat tat tat of the drums- let your goals unfold. For when we see the pattern, slow down our cadence- we will be able to reach them all with confidence and conciseness.