**I'm so grateful to the #SOL community for welcoming me each and every time I post a slice. Thank you so very much to the team at Two Writing Teachers for coordinating and hosting this slicing community for the entire month of March for the Slice of Life Challenge. You all rock!!**
During this year's challenge, my plan is to reflect on a slice of my life from that day, or the day before, and write about it. No theme to tie my writing together this year, no plans ahead of time. Just glimpses into slices of my days. Not having a plan is a very uncomfortable place for me, both as a person and a writer, so fingers crossed for the 24 days remaining!
I am truly out of my comfort zone today.
As an educator, as a mom, as a friend, as a relative -- I love it when people can reach out and ask me for assistance or help. I think nothing of it. I actually cherish those moments when people trust me with a request like that.
So why, when I reached out today to two different sources about possible professional opportunities, did it make me feel so uncomfortable? Like wearing a wool sweater without a shirt or cami on underneath - all itchy inside.
I've reached out to other educators about professional assistance before - many times - and I didn't feel this discomfort.
Which has me reflecting on the discomfort I'm feeling today, and WHY it feels so out of my comfort zone. Here's what I've decided for now - I think it depends on the level of interaction and trust I have with an individual. The more someone knows me as a person and a professional, the less risk it takes to be vulnerable with them. I know that's not rocket science, but it was a big aha for me.
I'm still out of my comfort zone, but I did it, and we'll see what happens from here. I read recently that we do our best learning when we're in a zone of discomfort, so hopefully I will be learning a great deal from these experiences!
And again, it makes me think of teachers and students. Our students need to feel that interaction and trust with their teachers to be able to clearly ask for assistance when needed. Food for thought...
Every time I start working in a new school, I get that uncomfortable feeling too. It's not that I doubt my knowledge base, but I think "they" are wondering about my knowledge base. You've delivered up a slice of food that needs to be thought through.
ReplyDeleteLove the analogy of an itchy sweater with no camisole. I truly can feel the discomfort. I understand the whole zone of discomfort thing, but you also have to go with your gut feeling, as well. I'm sure you'll make the best decision for you!
ReplyDeleteKaren, it's when we reach into our discomfort zone that we grow. So keep reaching. You will find a path.
ReplyDeleteKaren I can feel your itch and I know you’ll find the right fit soon. Sometimes the best fit comes when we try on something we never thought we would. Xo
ReplyDeleteSometimes that feeling comes from being on our edge or taking a step on an uncomfortable path. I think of how many times that discomfort has helped me to find a new way to be.
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