A few things from this summer that are worth mentioning:
- I've been setting up my classroom for a second year of teaching math at Air Academy!
- I'm the new student council advisor.
- I bought a Harley.
- We had a lovely wedding.
- This thunderstorm is shaking the house.
So, there's that.
(Be right back. Time to put dinner in the oven.)
The past few years have brought about some of the most severe, yet welcomed, growing pains of my life. I'd like to share one that has been on my mind the most: embracing mistakes. This has proven to be one of the greatest challenges of my life to overcome. Anytime I feel as if I have failed in any way, my reaction has been to shut down/give up. I've seen it happen in relationships when I feel as though I've failed as a friend, or flaked one time too many, and just gracefully backed away ashamed. I've also seen it when new opportunities arise, and I've avoided them for fear of looking foolish trying. Since Kelly, that all has changed.
Now, I am much more willing and eager to admit a mistake or shortcoming, apologize, and move on. For example, if I double book myself by accident, instead of shutting down and not communicating with anyone, I will inform both parties and apologize. It sounds simple, but is so hard for me. I am a better skier now because I was willing to take risks and laugh at myself when I face planted or lost a ski in the waist-deep powder. I can ride a motorcycle now because I was willing to wobble around on a bike, realizing that with practice would come confidence.
Maybe you can relate; maybe you have no clue where I am coming from... I have an intellectual understanding of what it means to be a good friend, or spouse, or runner, or teacher, or skier, or any other identity I may temporarily assume. But, I have been scared of the practical application of each of those things-- thanks to the inevitable mistakes entailed. Now, at nearly 26, I'm learning to love embracing those mistakes. I savor new-beginnings in order to better enjoy the celebration of growth down the road. I accept that reaching a goal requires taking countless small steps. And I respect and appreciate those around me who are tripping as much or more than I am along the way, but persevere with a smile on their face.
It is still a struggle, and still a mental battle. One day. One choice. One expression of forgiveness. One step. One inch at a time... I am growing.
"Mistakes mean you're trying."
