How often do we live inside our own little worlds? I'd be interested (and probably appalled) to know how many times a day I use the words "I," "me," or "my." I'm guilty of it, and I hate it. I get so wrapped up in what I want, where I want to be, what I'm trying to accomplish, that I forget about all of those around me. And the sad thing? I know I'm not alone.
What would this world be like if we all started living for those around us? Imagine the difference we could make. There are so many people walking right around us that need to know that someone cares, that need to know that they matter and they're worth something. All it takes is us looking outside our own bubble to others, but then what? What do these actions look like? What can we physically do for others? Where do we even start? I'd love to know your ideas.
Another blog is coming soon on not missing what matters, because
"I don't want to miss what matters
I wanna be reaching out
Show me the greater purpose
So I can start living right now."
Rose, I think we have a career that lends itself to living for those around us. If we can pass on some of the qualities that you're describing to our students, then maybe they will be motivated to do the same for others.
ReplyDeleteHowever, sometimes I feel like I preach those things to my students and then I get consumed in my own little world when it comes to my personal life. I think a good place for me to start would be reaching out to meet more people in my community and trying to do more random acts of kindness each day. Wouldn't it be nice if we could lay down to sleep each night and think of at least one act of kindness we did for someone that day?
I am with you 110%. It's one thing to practice service in the classroom and with my students in the community, but take my job out of it, and I feel like I'm not doing a good job. When I think about the service projects that I'm a part of, 95% are with my students. I love my job, but I still feel like I'm not doing a good job of living outside of my own little world otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI really feel disconnected from my community, and Jamie, you're right, that's where it should start. Since we're both in new communities, do you have any ideas how to get involved?
Well, a lot of people get involved through church, volunteer opportunities (food pantries, etc), booster clubs, city councils/committees, etc.
ReplyDeleteOur local library also has a book club that meets once a month (I went to a meeting this summer) which would be a good way to meet people. I'm thinking about joining the local artist guild also.
Also, the city of Delaware has a thing called First Friday where they have live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, etc downtown on the first Friday of each month. Brian had suggested that maybe we could get involved in that somehow.
I really think that it will become a lot easier to get involved in the community and meet people once we have kids. Think of all the possibilities: Youth athletics, PTA, 4-H, Boy/Girl Scouts, etc.