I like firsts. They can be exciting. They can be stressful. They can be happy. They can be sad. They are a proof that you are moving.
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end” Seneca (and a Semisonic lyric from their song Closing Time)
I LOVE summer vacation. Today, is the first day of another school year. I get to start a new routine that will include supervising the in-school suspension (ISS) room for 3 hours every day. I REALLY DO NOT LIKE babysitting, I mean supervising, the ISS room. But I know I will have an opportunity to learn something.
I love coaching soccer. This is the first year I am coaching two soccer teams. It’s been crazy busy. This week, I have my first 6 practice soccer week and my first games for both of my two teams. It has been stressful for me to schedule my two teams and still have a life. I am not always the most organized person and this is a great opportunity for me to become better organized.
I hate writing. To create a first draft is so painful to me. However, after writing a first draft, the 2nd and 3rd daft are much easier and usually lead to something I am happy with.
I like researching new presentations; so many potential great points to make. But I hate actually writing new presentations; so limiting and stressful when I have to decide what not to include. I expect a lot from my presentations. I put so much pressure on myself to have my presentations really connect with my student audiences. Giving the presentation for the first time does not always go smoothly, but I get to see what I spent so many hours preparing. I learn so much from the audience reaction after the first run through. It makes all the hours spent alone in my office worthwhile.
I have a chance to form a new partnership this week. I am looking forward to introducing a wonderful program that combines two of my favorite things – soccer and leadership – to some new coaches and teachers as well as some of my long-time favorite coaches and teachers. I am a little nervous to pitch someone and something I had no part in creating, but it is a great opportunity to reach more students that I cannot reach on my own.
Lao Tsu said “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. The journey can be amazing, but you’ll never know without taking the first step.
Yes, new things can be stressful. But not taking chances is stressful too. Take the first step. Enjoy the journey.