Chapter 6-8 in "The Art of Possibility" all go hand in hand. You have to give up some control if you want to live life to the fullest... and you can't live your life to the fullest without passion, mistakes and being human. I love sharing stories about my life with my students - I believe you have to find a common ground - a bond. This opens the doors and they share back, but most importantly, they see that I am a real person. I am not someone who lives at school, I am not a rock star, or someone who is untouchable - I am a person who cares about their learning, more importantly I care about them as individuals. I love to hear their ideas about lessons, the classroom and life.
I used to be a control freak (still am in certain areas) - then I had kids and realized something had to go. I had to learn how to give up control over. I realized that having all the papers graded in one night or the house spotless before bed, was not as important as hangin with the family. I love learning new things, keeping up with trends, and that is why I started my EMDT journey. But, my strive for perfection kicked in and my school work and family suffered. This master's was a journey and I learned again that control had to be given up in order for all to learn. I didn't want my family to fear me when i was doing EMDT work, I wanted them to see that learning is a lifelong experience to be enjoyed.
June 22, 2012 at 12:14 AM
Stacey, I’m so glad I read your blog again. Every time, I get something I need. I really appreciate how openly you shared from your EMDT journey; especially during this time when I feel as if my EMDT journey is full of potholes and congested intersections with the other parts of my life. I thought completing the regular school year would make it easier; however, I had not fully considered the travel commitments that I have to students and the quantity of reporting due to my school. I am so overwhelmed, and what I have mentioned is additional to my family life. Our lives really are very fine balancing acts, aren’t they? It’s like sweet relief to realize what we need to do to realign priorities and let go of whatever needs to go! Isn’t it amazing how we can hold ourselves captive to certain expectations? I appreciate your realization of EMDT as a learning experience for your family. Your concern for the long-term effect on your family is commendable. Wise parents leave an inheritance for their children. I honor your sensitivity to the inheritance of a love for lifelong learning that you desire to sow into your children’s lives. You have made a rich deposit, my friend…a very rich deposit!