The Rest is Figuroutable

We need to remind ourselves that this time of year is really hard in schools. It seems that every spring we are once again bewildered and find ourselves looking around thinking, “What in the world?” But this is spring. Every spring. In schools. It’s no one’s fault. It just is.

And it’s a lot on everyone. The grind of the school year is taking its toll, and we are working so hard to show up as our best for others, and it’s hard.

About a month ago, a colleague of mine introduced herself to the room as a human. While the rest of us said our names and our titles, she left it at that. Her name and then “Human.”

And when I tell you that we all felt that…

WE ALL FELT THAT.

I thought she might burst into tears. I thought that I might too. Why did this hit us all so hard?

Because sometimes, it feels like we are expected not to be human in a profession that quite literally is fueled by and is fueling humanity. The irony!

Our culture and climate team is planning a community gathering. We are working to as one member put it “start ripples” in the broader community. As we planned for this event, we found ourselves struggling with what problem we wanted to solve. What problem would compel people to join us for this gathering? As the planning team discussed further, it became clear that creating a space for connection and storytelling was the whole point. We didn’t need a reason beyond this-

“People need people. Join us for a community gathering connecting strangers to strangers to tell their stories and uncover insights for community and wellbeing.”

That’s it. It’s that simple. Because what this wholehearted group filled with teachers, parents, and administrators has learned is this:

Communities are not problems to be solved. We are connections to be restored.

And through that connection comes openness and a shift from problems to co-created possibilities.

So, when the weight of the school year overwhelms you, when moments feel impossible, when judgments seem loud and perhaps unfair, and you find yourself in tears or angry or perhaps both, remember this…

You are human.

And so is everyone else.

And if you get nothing else “right” or “solved” or “figured out” but you grow human connection this spring and through that human connection you fuel others with a belief that tomorrow can be better today, and we are the ones who can make it so…

Well, I think that’s a job well done.

And rest is figureoutable.