Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent. -Sophia Loren
Greetings folks! I was really wrestling with what to post this week. I had so many ideas in my head and none of them really jumped out. Then I remembered a quote I shared with my students yesterday and thought it would be perfect for today’s post.
So often we focus on talent and ability as the impetus for success and achievement, and rightfully so. If you’re 5’6, 145 pounds it’s unlikely that a professional sports career is in your future. If you can’t grab the rim at the elementary school basketball court, it’s not probable that you’ll be jumping over cars in any NBA All-star games in the near future. And if every time the wind blows you end up across the street (and you don’t live in Chicago), it’s unlikely that you’ll be dodging or making any tackles in the NFL.
Talent is important; very important. But it’s just the starting point, not the ending point. At some point in your life, talent has to merge with drive and determination to equal success. When I was in middle school I faced a lot of adversity. I was a gifted student and was unsure of whether I wanted to be a nerd or a class clown. So I walked the fine line between both falling over on the side of jackass more times than not, and in the process I gave my mother a headache that lasted 3 years. Whenever she would leave one of the many parent-teacher conferences she had about me her speech to me would often include her saying “there are a lot of geniuses underneath the bridge so being smart isn’t good enough.” Honestly, I heard her, I understood her, but it really didn’t hit me until I got older. Despite how smart all my teachers said I was, and I knew I was, being smart wasn’t good enough. Hell, it didn’t mean anything if they failed me.
I see so many of us (young people) who have all sorts of talent and gifts, but are wasting them because we’re content with just having them. That’s like a guy who buys a new Lamborghini Gallardo and never drives it. It’s a waste. It does no one any good to keep such a powerful and beautiful car locked up and it does you no good to keep your talents to yourself. We’ve all been given gifts not for our own entertainment but to share with the world. I’m reminded of the quote, “If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don't hoard it. Don't dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke.” -Brendan Francis
Talent isn’t enough. If you don’t believe me see Michael Jordan or Peyton Manning as examples. Michael Jordan got cut from his high school basketball team; a clear sign that at least one person thought that he wasn’t good enough. After that fateful moment, he won at every level he competed at, and today is renowned as one of the best athletes ever. He isn’t the greatest because of his physical prowess. It wasn’t because he was the fastest, the strongest, or the most agile. If you ask MJ’s teammates, his competitors, and his coaches, they’ll tell you that he won more because he wanted it more than anyone else and as a result, worked harder than anyone else.
If you take a look at the Manning family tree you’re probably find that Peyton Manning probably isn’t even the most talented quarterback in his family. Father Archie Manning was a really good quarterback playing on a terrible team. Brother Eli, while not as famous, is more mobile and athletic. Then there is older brother Cooper, who some scouts regard as the best Manning quarterback, who may have re-wrote the Manning family history books were it not for a neck injury that forced him to forgo his NFL dreams. So why is Peyton one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks and constantly in the conversation as one of the best ever? He’s talented AND he works harder than nearly every player and some coaches. He wants it more than anyone else, is a perfectionist, and demands the best from himself and everyone around him.
I do not subscribe to the theory that the most successful people are ALWAYS the most talented people. I do subscribe to the theory that the most successful people have found a way to take their talent, however big or small, merge it with drive and determination, and make the most of it.
We need to find a way to take our talent however great or miniscule, combine it with fervor, focus, and fidelity and make the most of it. If you’re a doctor, lawyer, or work in another profession that is difficult to climb the ladder in, there are tons of talented people around you. And I know what you’re thinking; there are a ton of not-so-talented people around you as well. But the reason why the less talented people are even able to compete, (other than nepotism and office affairs), is because they’re hard workers. So what you graduated medical school at or near the top of your class. Now what? Who cares that you graduated magna cum laude or graduated magna thank you lawdy? What matters after that is what you do with the talent and knowledge that you have. What matters is how hard you are going to work to be successful.
Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
What's Your Story?
“I’m just trying to be legendary…and my only fear is mediocrity.”
-Wale “Legendary”
Greetings folks! I’m not perfect. Yes, yes, I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true. I’m one of the most imperfect people you will meet. I’ve done some good, bad and ugly things in my life, both intentionally and unintentionally. I’ve made my share of mistakes and yet through all of the trials and tribulations I’ve experienced in my life I’ve tried to learn a lesson in each and every one of them. I don’t have many regrets because for all of the dark times in my life there was a lesson learned that has helped me to become a better person. Still far from perfect; but much better than I used to be.
Lately I’ve been thinking about my autobiography. Not that I plan on dying anytime soon, or that I’ve accomplished enough to write it today, just what it would look like up to this point. I wondered what people would say about me if I didn’t get a chance to pen my own story. What would people think about me from the collection of stories gathered from my friends, families, and possibly my enemies? What would my legacy be?
The answer I came up with was a mixed story. There are 3 sides to every story: yours, theirs and the truth. We all go into certain situations with our own biases and pre-conceived notions, and regardless of how “neutral” and “unbiased” we may think we are, we aren’t. If you’re a Republican, it’s likely that when you walk into a room full of Democrats you already have a pre-conceived notion of what they think of you. If you’re poor and attend a college with predominantly rich people, you already have a preconceived notion of what they are like before you even meet them. Good and bad stereotypes exist. Sometimes they come in handy, such as when you see someone with a hoodie, dark shades and baggy clothes in the middle of the summer you walk the other way. Other times they backfire. The fact is, is that they exist and while we can attempt to minimize them and not let these preconceived thoughts about people and their behaviors get the best of us, I’m unsure if we can ever fully get rid of them.
With that said I understand people have some thoughts about me. I’ve heard it all: arrogant, cocky, conceited, mean, loving, caring, thoughtful, selfish, inconsiderate, loyal and everything in between (if there is anything in between). Depending on who you are and when you met me, you may subscribe to some of these descriptions on one end of the spectrum as opposed to another. And to some degree or another your perception of me is true. And there probably isn’t much I can do to change that. And I’m ok with that.
People will think what they want to think about you. I’ve found that when people are missing parts to the story they often fill in the missing pieces with what makes the most sense to them, regardless of whether it makes sense to anyone else. Knowing that I’ve decided to live my life by a few basic tenets.
1. Care about people more than you care about what they think of you
People are more finicky then ally cats and will turn on you when it suits them. Catering to people’s whims will always have you playing Benson. However, if you cater to their needs as a person, then they’re more likely to have positive thoughts about you. And if they don’t, take solace in the fact that you can’t please everyone.
2. People are going to talk. Even when you don’t. Especially when you don’t.
My mother always taught me that if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Sometimes, I don’t have very many nice things to say, so I stay quiet until my opinion is solicited. There was a time when I felt like this would help people have a favorable opinion of me, but it doesn’t. My reserve and quiet confidence sent mixed messages. Some thought I was shy while others thought I was too stuck up to join the crowd. When I realized that there were such divergent opinions about the same action in the same room, I began to care less. People are going to talk, even when you don’t, especially when you don’t. So it’s best to say what you please (within reason and with tact) and be ok with it.
3. Realize that every day you take a breath you’re writing a chapter in your memoir.
I’ve always thought highly of myself, let some people tell it, probably more so than I should. But it is what it is. I’ve always believed since I was child that I would make it “BIG.” Whatever that means. I haven’t abandoned that belief. However, I feel like others should adopt it too. No, not that I’m going to be the next big thing, but that they’ll be the next big thing. Once you begin to think it, plan around it, and work towards it. People who know they’re going to run for president, often times make attempts to clean up their lives before they hit the campaign trail: clearing facebook of embarrassing photos, getting rid of drunken tweets, and breaking up with the mistress (or paying her enough money to keep quiet). In an attempt to avoid a last minute clean-up I’ve decided to live life now for the success I expect tomorrow. Be mindful of what I say, who I say it to, what I do and who I do it with. I’m not saying that I’m hiding anything, but I think we would all agree that drinking with friends in your home and getting wasted is much better than getting drunk with strangers at work. Every day that I step out of the house is another day in the chapter of my life, some are better than others and such is life. But I strive to make each one better than the last.
4. Finally, find a lesson in every situation; good or bad.
“He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened."-Lao Tzu
It’s good to know people in high places (and at times low places too). However, there’s nothing like knowing yourself. And what better way to know yourself than from time to time to take a look at your life and see who you really are, what you’ve done, where you are juxtaposed to who you want to be and where you want to go. Find a lesson in every positive and negative occurrence in your life, learn it, and cherish it. It’s ok to realize that your late teens and early 20s were a drunken blur. It happens. It’s not ok to realize that and still carry that over. Find a lesson, learn a lesson and keep it with you.
Well that’s all from me today. I hope you enjoyed the reading, because I certainly enjoyed the writing. It’s like therapy to me that I couldn’t get any other place (especially for the low low price of Free.99). Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
-Wale “Legendary”
Greetings folks! I’m not perfect. Yes, yes, I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true. I’m one of the most imperfect people you will meet. I’ve done some good, bad and ugly things in my life, both intentionally and unintentionally. I’ve made my share of mistakes and yet through all of the trials and tribulations I’ve experienced in my life I’ve tried to learn a lesson in each and every one of them. I don’t have many regrets because for all of the dark times in my life there was a lesson learned that has helped me to become a better person. Still far from perfect; but much better than I used to be.
Lately I’ve been thinking about my autobiography. Not that I plan on dying anytime soon, or that I’ve accomplished enough to write it today, just what it would look like up to this point. I wondered what people would say about me if I didn’t get a chance to pen my own story. What would people think about me from the collection of stories gathered from my friends, families, and possibly my enemies? What would my legacy be?
The answer I came up with was a mixed story. There are 3 sides to every story: yours, theirs and the truth. We all go into certain situations with our own biases and pre-conceived notions, and regardless of how “neutral” and “unbiased” we may think we are, we aren’t. If you’re a Republican, it’s likely that when you walk into a room full of Democrats you already have a pre-conceived notion of what they think of you. If you’re poor and attend a college with predominantly rich people, you already have a preconceived notion of what they are like before you even meet them. Good and bad stereotypes exist. Sometimes they come in handy, such as when you see someone with a hoodie, dark shades and baggy clothes in the middle of the summer you walk the other way. Other times they backfire. The fact is, is that they exist and while we can attempt to minimize them and not let these preconceived thoughts about people and their behaviors get the best of us, I’m unsure if we can ever fully get rid of them.
With that said I understand people have some thoughts about me. I’ve heard it all: arrogant, cocky, conceited, mean, loving, caring, thoughtful, selfish, inconsiderate, loyal and everything in between (if there is anything in between). Depending on who you are and when you met me, you may subscribe to some of these descriptions on one end of the spectrum as opposed to another. And to some degree or another your perception of me is true. And there probably isn’t much I can do to change that. And I’m ok with that.
People will think what they want to think about you. I’ve found that when people are missing parts to the story they often fill in the missing pieces with what makes the most sense to them, regardless of whether it makes sense to anyone else. Knowing that I’ve decided to live my life by a few basic tenets.
1. Care about people more than you care about what they think of you
People are more finicky then ally cats and will turn on you when it suits them. Catering to people’s whims will always have you playing Benson. However, if you cater to their needs as a person, then they’re more likely to have positive thoughts about you. And if they don’t, take solace in the fact that you can’t please everyone.
2. People are going to talk. Even when you don’t. Especially when you don’t.
My mother always taught me that if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Sometimes, I don’t have very many nice things to say, so I stay quiet until my opinion is solicited. There was a time when I felt like this would help people have a favorable opinion of me, but it doesn’t. My reserve and quiet confidence sent mixed messages. Some thought I was shy while others thought I was too stuck up to join the crowd. When I realized that there were such divergent opinions about the same action in the same room, I began to care less. People are going to talk, even when you don’t, especially when you don’t. So it’s best to say what you please (within reason and with tact) and be ok with it.
3. Realize that every day you take a breath you’re writing a chapter in your memoir.
I’ve always thought highly of myself, let some people tell it, probably more so than I should. But it is what it is. I’ve always believed since I was child that I would make it “BIG.” Whatever that means. I haven’t abandoned that belief. However, I feel like others should adopt it too. No, not that I’m going to be the next big thing, but that they’ll be the next big thing. Once you begin to think it, plan around it, and work towards it. People who know they’re going to run for president, often times make attempts to clean up their lives before they hit the campaign trail: clearing facebook of embarrassing photos, getting rid of drunken tweets, and breaking up with the mistress (or paying her enough money to keep quiet). In an attempt to avoid a last minute clean-up I’ve decided to live life now for the success I expect tomorrow. Be mindful of what I say, who I say it to, what I do and who I do it with. I’m not saying that I’m hiding anything, but I think we would all agree that drinking with friends in your home and getting wasted is much better than getting drunk with strangers at work. Every day that I step out of the house is another day in the chapter of my life, some are better than others and such is life. But I strive to make each one better than the last.
4. Finally, find a lesson in every situation; good or bad.
“He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened."-Lao Tzu
It’s good to know people in high places (and at times low places too). However, there’s nothing like knowing yourself. And what better way to know yourself than from time to time to take a look at your life and see who you really are, what you’ve done, where you are juxtaposed to who you want to be and where you want to go. Find a lesson in every positive and negative occurrence in your life, learn it, and cherish it. It’s ok to realize that your late teens and early 20s were a drunken blur. It happens. It’s not ok to realize that and still carry that over. Find a lesson, learn a lesson and keep it with you.
Well that’s all from me today. I hope you enjoyed the reading, because I certainly enjoyed the writing. It’s like therapy to me that I couldn’t get any other place (especially for the low low price of Free.99). Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
You're Next in Line
You’re next in line for a miracle.
-Shirley Caesar
Greetings folks! For the regular readers of my blog you know that I have been struggling as of late with the mess that is my current job. Not that I don’t love what I do, it’s just that I’m surrounded by incompetence and others who don’t love what they do, which hampers my ability to make progress. I wrote a post (Just One of Those Days 10/12/11) and read a comment from one of the readers who really encouraged me. What I took from the comment was that it’s easy to only see darkness in the tunnel when your head is down, but in order to see the light we have to pick our heads up and look towards the end.
I’m constantly encouraging and urging others to be positive, to be upbeat, and to be the change they want to see in the world. However, as of late it’s been difficult to live by the “words of wisdom” I’ve been sharing. But the more the system beats down on me and the closer I get to breaking, the more God picks my head up and tries to show me the light. It’s tough trying to focus on the future when the present sucks. It’s hard to think about driving a Benz when you’re walking everywhere you go. Yet and still, we need something that continues to spur our evolution into the greater and better versions of ourselves that await in the future. We need encouragement and inspiration to fuel our aspirations of a better tomorrow and it starts with faith.
The late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” It’s a tough concept to grasp but a pivotal lesson to learn. Faith is what Cubs fans have exhibited every year for the last century. Faith is what Dolphins fans have shown every year since Marino retired. Faith is what little kids display every time they mail a Christmas letter to Santa Claus or put a tooth underneath their pillow. Whether you believe in God or not, every day that you’re alive you exhibit some type of faith. It may be belief that your car will start, that there won’t be an earthquake today, that you won’t get hit by a car, or that you’ll be alive tomorrow. Without it, we would be a cynical dystopia, and life really wouldn’t be worth living.
Belief that things will get better is the steam that is powering my dreams right now. I believe that if I do what I’m told, what I’m asked to do, what I’m required to do and do it to the best of my ability that I will be rewarded. As such, I believe that “this too shall pass.” This too will come and go and will transform from being a hindrance to a building block and from a hurdle to a stepping stone.
I can’t walk around thinking that it will be like this forever. I can’t. I have to believe that I’m next in line for a miracle, because anything short of a miracle won’t do. I have to have faith that trouble won’t last always and just as the sun rises every morning to erase the dark cast by its absence, that eventually the sun will rise on a brand new day for my life.
We all experience trials and tribulations and just as sure as the sun rises and sets in our lives so will darkness come and go. It is inevitable. We can’t stop it. The only thing we can do is prepare, adapt and learn from these moments in time so that may be helpful to us and those we encounter. Take your dark times in stride and carry a flashlight until the lights come back on or the sun rises. Stay Up and Be Blessed!
-Shirley Caesar
Greetings folks! For the regular readers of my blog you know that I have been struggling as of late with the mess that is my current job. Not that I don’t love what I do, it’s just that I’m surrounded by incompetence and others who don’t love what they do, which hampers my ability to make progress. I wrote a post (Just One of Those Days 10/12/11) and read a comment from one of the readers who really encouraged me. What I took from the comment was that it’s easy to only see darkness in the tunnel when your head is down, but in order to see the light we have to pick our heads up and look towards the end.
I’m constantly encouraging and urging others to be positive, to be upbeat, and to be the change they want to see in the world. However, as of late it’s been difficult to live by the “words of wisdom” I’ve been sharing. But the more the system beats down on me and the closer I get to breaking, the more God picks my head up and tries to show me the light. It’s tough trying to focus on the future when the present sucks. It’s hard to think about driving a Benz when you’re walking everywhere you go. Yet and still, we need something that continues to spur our evolution into the greater and better versions of ourselves that await in the future. We need encouragement and inspiration to fuel our aspirations of a better tomorrow and it starts with faith.
The late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” It’s a tough concept to grasp but a pivotal lesson to learn. Faith is what Cubs fans have exhibited every year for the last century. Faith is what Dolphins fans have shown every year since Marino retired. Faith is what little kids display every time they mail a Christmas letter to Santa Claus or put a tooth underneath their pillow. Whether you believe in God or not, every day that you’re alive you exhibit some type of faith. It may be belief that your car will start, that there won’t be an earthquake today, that you won’t get hit by a car, or that you’ll be alive tomorrow. Without it, we would be a cynical dystopia, and life really wouldn’t be worth living.
Belief that things will get better is the steam that is powering my dreams right now. I believe that if I do what I’m told, what I’m asked to do, what I’m required to do and do it to the best of my ability that I will be rewarded. As such, I believe that “this too shall pass.” This too will come and go and will transform from being a hindrance to a building block and from a hurdle to a stepping stone.
I can’t walk around thinking that it will be like this forever. I can’t. I have to believe that I’m next in line for a miracle, because anything short of a miracle won’t do. I have to have faith that trouble won’t last always and just as the sun rises every morning to erase the dark cast by its absence, that eventually the sun will rise on a brand new day for my life.
We all experience trials and tribulations and just as sure as the sun rises and sets in our lives so will darkness come and go. It is inevitable. We can’t stop it. The only thing we can do is prepare, adapt and learn from these moments in time so that may be helpful to us and those we encounter. Take your dark times in stride and carry a flashlight until the lights come back on or the sun rises. Stay Up and Be Blessed!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Welcome to the Jungle
“Welcome to the jungle!”
-Jay-Z and Kanye West ft. Swizz Beats “Welcome to the Jungle”
Hello folks! I know it’s been a while since I last posted but my absence has been with good reason. My mom always told me, “If you don’t have anything good to say then don’t say anything at all.” A couple of weeks ago I attended a faculty meeting with the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Educational Transformational Office and let’s just say it was less than pleasant. I was so angry when I left that meeting that I couldn’t find anything else to write about other than the anger and rage that was pent up inside. Every word I typed and every posted I attempted to create was fueled by blind fury. I like to write with passion, emotion and write posts that are thought provoking, however, I never want to write angry. As such, the week went by without a post.
Week 2 came and when I was ready to write again, there was still more anger, more rage, and I was too busy to try to force myself to write anything more akin to the usual. So week 2 came and went without a post. But I’m back now. I still don’t care for the present state of public education, Assistant Superintendent Vitti, his views on transforming low performing schools, and disapprove of the rudeness and smug attitude he displayed at the faculty meeting but I’m past that.
In other news, life has been crazy. I take that back. Life has been CRAZY! Last week I must have put in approximately 60 hours. For my readers who work in high demand areas such as medicine or who work in firms, I know you’re saying that’s a normal work week for you. And you’re right. But I don’t do that type of work. When I worked for the State’s Attorney’s office 11 or 12 hour days were routine and working weekends was normal. But when you work in a profession where the normal work week is 35-40 hours, 60 hours is CRAY!
The problem isn’t so much the hours, the workload, or the people, it’s all of the above. At times it can be a little much. Combine that with the fact I’m not sure anyone cares what I do, how I do it, and to what lengths I go to do it, and it can be very disheartening. I’m not looking for a medal of honor for doing my job. What I would like is some respect, some help and my life back.
Because neither of things appear to be in sight anytime soon, I’m coping the best way I can, all while trying not to stroke out in the process. However, going to work as of late has its challenges. It’s tough getting out of bed, going to work and being focused, and doing not only the things I have to do, but going above and beyond the call of duty and doing the things I’m expected to do. So much of what I do, doesn’t happen at other programs, at other schools and with other educators. But as a friend of mine once said, “being good at what you do is a gift and a curse.” People expect your best at all times, regardless of the circumstances. No one cares if your kitchen is burned down, they still want a 6 course 5 star meal. They don’t care if you tore a muscle they still want you to get in the game. And at some point or another these feats go from being lofty to outright unattainable; either because the person attempting to perform them has either shut down or has been broken down.
As much as it pains me to say it, I have to admit that I’m close to breaking. I try to put on a brave face for the students, be professional and do my job, but more and more everyday I’m embracing my humanness and disavowing the presence of any super powers. Realizing that you’re only human isn’t a bad thing. It’s actually very good to know that you can’t run through walls before attempting to do it, and knowing that you can’t fly before jumping out of a plane without a parachute. My name is The Diplomat and I’m not a superhero.
What further complicates matters is the fact that I have these hopes, dreams and aspirations being unfulfilled because I’m committed to something which hasn’t shown any commitment to me. It feels good to be loved, wanted and needed and hearing those things, even when everything else around you sucks, is enough to keep you going. I’m running out of coal to power this locomotive and the oil well that supplies the gas to make this SUV run, is close to empty.
The only thing I can do is to continue to grin and bear it, pray for change and strength to handle it all until things do change. Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
-Jay-Z and Kanye West ft. Swizz Beats “Welcome to the Jungle”
Hello folks! I know it’s been a while since I last posted but my absence has been with good reason. My mom always told me, “If you don’t have anything good to say then don’t say anything at all.” A couple of weeks ago I attended a faculty meeting with the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Educational Transformational Office and let’s just say it was less than pleasant. I was so angry when I left that meeting that I couldn’t find anything else to write about other than the anger and rage that was pent up inside. Every word I typed and every posted I attempted to create was fueled by blind fury. I like to write with passion, emotion and write posts that are thought provoking, however, I never want to write angry. As such, the week went by without a post.
Week 2 came and when I was ready to write again, there was still more anger, more rage, and I was too busy to try to force myself to write anything more akin to the usual. So week 2 came and went without a post. But I’m back now. I still don’t care for the present state of public education, Assistant Superintendent Vitti, his views on transforming low performing schools, and disapprove of the rudeness and smug attitude he displayed at the faculty meeting but I’m past that.
In other news, life has been crazy. I take that back. Life has been CRAZY! Last week I must have put in approximately 60 hours. For my readers who work in high demand areas such as medicine or who work in firms, I know you’re saying that’s a normal work week for you. And you’re right. But I don’t do that type of work. When I worked for the State’s Attorney’s office 11 or 12 hour days were routine and working weekends was normal. But when you work in a profession where the normal work week is 35-40 hours, 60 hours is CRAY!
The problem isn’t so much the hours, the workload, or the people, it’s all of the above. At times it can be a little much. Combine that with the fact I’m not sure anyone cares what I do, how I do it, and to what lengths I go to do it, and it can be very disheartening. I’m not looking for a medal of honor for doing my job. What I would like is some respect, some help and my life back.
Because neither of things appear to be in sight anytime soon, I’m coping the best way I can, all while trying not to stroke out in the process. However, going to work as of late has its challenges. It’s tough getting out of bed, going to work and being focused, and doing not only the things I have to do, but going above and beyond the call of duty and doing the things I’m expected to do. So much of what I do, doesn’t happen at other programs, at other schools and with other educators. But as a friend of mine once said, “being good at what you do is a gift and a curse.” People expect your best at all times, regardless of the circumstances. No one cares if your kitchen is burned down, they still want a 6 course 5 star meal. They don’t care if you tore a muscle they still want you to get in the game. And at some point or another these feats go from being lofty to outright unattainable; either because the person attempting to perform them has either shut down or has been broken down.
As much as it pains me to say it, I have to admit that I’m close to breaking. I try to put on a brave face for the students, be professional and do my job, but more and more everyday I’m embracing my humanness and disavowing the presence of any super powers. Realizing that you’re only human isn’t a bad thing. It’s actually very good to know that you can’t run through walls before attempting to do it, and knowing that you can’t fly before jumping out of a plane without a parachute. My name is The Diplomat and I’m not a superhero.
What further complicates matters is the fact that I have these hopes, dreams and aspirations being unfulfilled because I’m committed to something which hasn’t shown any commitment to me. It feels good to be loved, wanted and needed and hearing those things, even when everything else around you sucks, is enough to keep you going. I’m running out of coal to power this locomotive and the oil well that supplies the gas to make this SUV run, is close to empty.
The only thing I can do is to continue to grin and bear it, pray for change and strength to handle it all until things do change. Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
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