If we are going to lead where we are, then we must constantly be growing, learning, and evolving. Sometimes learning is just an “a-ha” about ourselves; other times, it’s intentionally investing in our own growth, and sometimes, it’s just useless (but fun!) knowledge!
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I could love a dog after all.
I’ve always said that I wasn’t an animal lover. My children, husband and extended family can testify to my disdain for animals, especially in the house. Well, all that has changed. Meet Millie. She’s a cavapoo, and we are absolutely smitten.
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I need a routine.
During this pandemic, I’ve struggled. Why? Because I thrive on routine. Prior to the pandemic, I would sit down in my favorite chair with my favorite pens, and fill out my planner every Sunday night. Until this month, my planner has been hidden in a basket. However, once I had the a-ha that not having a routine was affecting my mood, I picked up my planner and started filling it out again (even if I’m just writing down “Pick up groceries at curbside at 2:30 pm.”) Using my planner again has helped bring clarity in the midst of uncertainty and rhythm to my day.
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Short podcasts are a quick way to grow both personally and professionally.
I love a good podcast; however, without the 30 minute drive to and from work, I haven’t been interested in sitting down and listening to a 60 minute podcast no matter how much I might have loved it prior to the pandemic. So, I decided to find 10-30 minute podcasts that give me a boost, something to think about, or a challenge to change for the better. Right now, those podcasts include Before Breakfast with Lauren Vanderkam; Emily P. Freeman’s The Next Right Thing; Lead to Win and the companion podcast, Focus on This by Michael Hyatt & Co.; and The Good List by Tsh Oxenrider.
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If you want to make your dreams a reality, sometimes you have to take the initiative.
While doing research for my dissertation, I found that many women are waiting for the “proverbial tap on the shoulder” before they take the next step. This often leaves them in the same position for years because they just keep waiting for someone to notice them and “open the door for them.” While I believe God’s timing is perfect, it doesn’t always come with a wide open door but instead a step of faith.
Sometimes that step of faith looks like reaching out to someone you don’t know personally but would really like to visit with. For me, that was reaching out to a local female superintendent by email and then talking to her on the phone. I learned so much from her, and we’ve continued to chat and follow each other ever since.
