Two Truths

There’s a reason Teacher Appreciation Week falls in May. Sigh. Hugs. We can love what we do and have fun while making a meaningful impact AND simultaneously agree that this work is not for the faint of heart.

I recently took my mom on a super quick weekend trip to celebrate her recovery from a major emergency surgery. While on this getaway, we had watermelon juice for the first time. We have, of course, eaten watermelon but we had never had it in juice form. It was refreshing which led to curiosity about whether it’s good for you. We learned that it has many health benefits, and it is, as you might imagine, low calorie and easy to make on the blender.

I’m telling you this story not because I’m trying to become some kind of health influencer or watermelon connoisseur but because of the value of stepping away from the work. I had a moment to find watermelon juice interesting and to learn how to make it. I did not have to miss a bunch of work to do this, and it is not an expensive hobby. But it’s something new and different to me. New and different can be energizing and inspiring.

Like many educators, I thrive in a routine, clear l, and consistent schedule. I often eat the same things every week. I workout at the same time every day. There is comfort in routine.

There is comfort in routine for our students too. We often feel a bit threaten when something feels out of the norm. Not because we aren’t open to new things, but because we are tired. And when we are tired, that new thing can threaten what energy we have left.

It required energy to go on this short adventure with my mom. And that’s not a reflection of how much I care or love her or want time with her. It’s simply a reality of the adult experience.

So, these two truths can be true at the same time:

1. New can be scary and hard and beautiful.
2. Routine can be comforting and consistent and beautiful.

And both are needed. For students AND adults. So, when someone gets excited about something new and someone responds with less enthusiasm than we hoped.

Hear them both. Love them both. Our ability to hold two truths at the same time might be what’s needed to heal the future.

We need both. Both have their place and time.

And somewhere in both of those opposing perspectives is insight in how and how might move forward and when. The “new” doesn’t have to be big. In fact, little intentional moments of thrill and delight are a focus in a chapter of my book, Legacy of Learning. The chapter lis titled “Mosquito Moves” because as the Dalai Lama said, “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

Educators, I see you. I feel you. I celebrate you. Not just next week but every day.

For all the moves you make big and small, thank you.