1-31-2020

Mary’s Minute

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

~ Confucius 

Recently I was with a group at a restaurant that had a card set of “conversation starters” on the table.  I was stumped by the first prompt, “If you could have any job, what would it be?”  I really pondered the question. I pride myself in being creative and adventurous, but I really had to say that I would choose the job of school superintendent. I love the work I do:  being able to think creatively to solve problems, never having two days that are the same, working with people who care deeply about their profession, meeting new people, collaborating with community partners, and working for the most important product on earth (our youth).  

Life is so short, and we spend a large part of our life at our jobs, so the thought of having a job that is not fulfilling is sad. I know that not all people are lucky enough to love their work. Sometimes survival precludes fulfillment, but fortunately most of us have choices.  

Mike Rowe, who is well known for his television show Dirty Jobs, among others, doesn't completely agree.  He says, “Why worry about doing something you love? Figure out what the opportunity is. Find a thing, get good at it, learn to love it later.”  I understand the challenge we have as a society of preparing our students for the workforce and allowing them to make a good living.  I know the hard facts that too many students are pursuing four year degrees, accumulating debt only to take jobs that pay less than jobs requiring a different kind of training.  I agree with Mike Rowe that we need a shift, but I cannot give up on the idea to follow our passions, finding jobs we love!  

I do believe in balance and making smart choices.  I know my son Bill is just a freshman in college, but he sees this.  He loves writing and wrote a novel during his first quarter off at college, but he doesn't see himself pursuing writing as a career.  He says he will always love writing, but he thinks his career will fall around another of his passions, physics, while writing will be a hobby. 

Maybe I am enough of an optimist that I believe we can do both -- choose work we love, while at the same time pursuing the opportunities as Mr. Rowe points out.  I am thankful that for me it has worked out that way at least, and I wish that for all of you!

                                                                             Have a great week!

                                                                                         Mary

1-24-2020

Mary’s Minute

“Preach at all times and if necessary use words.”

                                                 ~ Francis of Assissi

I do love words!  I love to talk; I love to write, and I think that words are a powerful way to persuade. Perhaps you can imagine then how this quote stung!  For me the word “preach” was not interrupted in the religious sense that it may have been intended, but instead I thought of me talking to my children or co-workers. I thought about how I can use words too much. My son, Bill, reminds me of this when I have told him something for the third time, as he says, “I got it the first time.”  

More than the concern of repetition, Francis of Assisi reminds me that “preaching” or getting our point across should be done through our actions first. It is just the opposite of the somewhat humorous notion, “Do as I say, not as I do.”  

I want to use my words wisely — as necessary — striving to get my message across through modeling the life I want to lead.  Yikes!  It is a tall order, but I will try. 

                                                               Have a great week!

                                                                        Mary

1-17-2020

Mary’s Minute

“The desire for freedom and equilibrium (harmony) is inherent in man (due to the universal in him).”

                                                                 
                                              ~ Piet Mondrian

Admittedly, science is not my thing.  I am intrigued with people, words, and art.  Even with my limited ability/interest in science when I think of equilibrium I think of science and the physical properties equilibrium.  This is where my son, Bill, would tell me to just, “Stop!” because I don’t have the words to talk about these concepts, but I will keep babbling!  In chemistry when elements are combined, there is a need to equalize.  I think of the simple idea of working with plaster and how it dries out our hands – the need to equalize the moisture.  Even the physical property that spilled water pools in the lowest spot is a need for equilibrium.  Mondrian saw this in art. 

There is a basic desire for equilibrium, so it makes sense that change is hard.  In life we strive to get to a place of balance.  Yet, it seems like a paradox since change is the one constant in life.  We are constantly seeking a level of calm, yet life itself consists of cycles of constant chaos. 

I talk a lot about the power of change, and the need to embrace it.  But change is fighting against human nature … or is it?   What if the balance we are seeking is not about a daily routine or a level of prosperity?  What if the equilibrium we seek is something bigger? 

I want to try to think about my quest for equilibrium not as a need for doing things the same way, but a need for happiness that comes from harmony of being comfortable with the life I am leading.  In that way, change is natural, but I am still moving towards a state of equilibrium. 

Change doesn’t have to be unnatural, even though on the surface it seems like is.

                                                            Have a great week!

                                                                        Mary

MM 2.0 1-10-2020

Mary’s Minute

“A person is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.”

                                                            ~ John Barrymore

I have had a wonderful couple weeks celebrating my career at Perry Central.  I am fortunate in so many ways!  I am grateful for the chance to do what I loved for 34 years and to work with the best people and community ever.  Now I am also grateful for a month to unplug and reflect before my next adventure.  I am thankful for a month that allows me to dream and not regret! 

I am excited about the next phase of my life that will lead me to a new home, a new community, and a new set of challenges.  I am thankful that the school community of Sheridan has welcomed me so warmly.  Starting over can be hard, but it also helps keep dreams alive and regrets at bay. 

Admittedly, as I watched the video that spanned my lifetime (Thank you, Tara Bishop, for the beautiful video tribute!), the word “old” was definitely on my mind. The high school photos, the young teacher in a romper, to the naïve 38 year old beginning superintendent certainly reminded me of younger days!  This quote was just what I needed to remind myself that life is full, and dreams abound! 

I have never been a person to believe in regrets.  It isn’t that I have not made mistakes, but I just believe that we are who are because of our collective experiences.  I am thankful for the mistakes because they have led me to where I am. 

No regrets – just so much gratitude and still many dreams!

By the way, this is my first post-Perry Central Mary’s Minute.  Mary’s Minute began when I became superintendent at P.C., but I have decided to continue the blog.  I want to write for me – as a way to keep writing, keep dreaming, and to continue to express my gratitude to the world!

                                                            Have a great week!

                                                                                    Mary