It's almost the end of 2007. I tend to get reflective around this time of year as well as around my birthday. I look back at how far I've come in my life and what milestones got me to where I am today. Then I look ahead at what goals I still want to accomplish and make sure I am open to new opportunities that I haven't even thought about.
Last year at this time, I was frustrated because I had interviewed several times for different administrative positions that had opened up in my district. Some were in buildings I worked in and so I thought I had a good chance. I did make round two of the interviews for one job, but was not selected. Of course, people had several theories as to why it wasn't happening, from "You are too good at your current job and they don't want to have to replace you" to "It's political" to "The timing isn't right."
I heard Oprah say once that the universe is always trying to get your attention. Any major problem starts out as a whisper. If you don't listen to the whisper, then the universe hits you upside the head with a pebble. If the pebble doesn't work, then it's a brick. From there it is a brick wall and then the house falls down and now you are in the eye of the storm. Every time I wasn't moving into administration after an interview, I would wonder if the universe was trying to tell me something. I would get more frustrated and discouraged.
Then, at this time last year, I found out that the district was bringing someone back from retirement to fill an administrative position that I felt I was definitely in line for. When I heard that news, I felt like a boulder had hit me in the head!! Bring someone back from retirement rather than open it up to people who are qualified right here in the district?!?!?! I decided then to start applying outside the district I had been a part of for over 10 years and take my chances in a new place.
I did interview outside the district and landed my current job. I am an administrator in northern MN and I would have never even considered this position if I hadn't been open to new opportunities as the start of 2007 began. Looking back, I can't believe the changes that have happened this past year and that I am almost halfway through my first year as an administrator. I am sometimes still in shock and awe of the great opportunity and challenge I have been given to make a difference in the lives of children.
As I look forward to 2008, I think of all the things I still want to do - both professionally and personally. One of them is to start a blog at my work and here it is December and I can only keep up with my monthly post to this blog! But that's OK. I'm doing the best I can and it will come. I need to be ever mindful to enjoy the present and not get too caught up in my list of things to do and to try and limit the 12 to 14 hour days I spend at school.
I believe I am where I am supposed to be in this time and place. And that is because I finally listened to the universe, to my gut and to my heart. I am open to what 2008 will bring me and I am grateful for all that I have been given. I wish the same for each of you.
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