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Tomorrow you likely have a holiday – and for very good reason. Please take the opportunity to attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony near you. They often last no more than an hour. Here is a list of Veterans’ Week events, including November 11th ceremonies across Canada: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/veterans-week/events.
Every municipality and city in Metro Vancouver has at least one if not more cenotaphs, and each one will be hosting a ceremony. A simple Google search with your town’s name and “Remembrance Day 2011″ will likely result in information about your local service..
My favourite holiday has once again risen to the occasion. I have spent time with family, friends, playing hockey, being involved in youth sports, being active outside in BC, and generally doing a lot of smiling and laughing. This is a fairly decent list of my top favourite things, and the things I am most thankful for. (There’s also been a fair amount of good food).
It has been wonderful to talk with others about what they are thankful for, and share time with those who have inspiring gratitude and values. I am so very appreciative of my family and friends that make me a better person each and every day. Even when I adventure and take risks “alone” I carry their support and guidance with me – and I am eternally grateful.
This year in particular I am very thankful for the location I live in. The west coast of British Columbia, Canada, is a beautiful area. While I will not claim that life here is perfect for all of its inhabitants – it is spot that is, thankfully, able to offer so much to so many people, in so many ways: physical activity, culture, social programs, education, nature, and so much more. It is a region that strives to improve as well. While this growth is not without its challenges, overall I have no doubts we are moving in positive directions for the most part, and I am very thankful.
I am thankful to my parents and family who instilled in me at a young age to capitalize on what this region has to offer, and I am thankful for amazing friends that I continue to share it with.
Hoping you are able to spend time with those you care about.
This immediately recalled Thomas King’s Massey Lectures that carry the same title. Having thoroughly enjoyed King’s work, and since the phrase continues to give me a great deal to ponder, I was pulled in to watching the first talk on the playlist. As Elif Shafak’s nearly twenty minutes of speaking unfolded I was pulled deeper and deeper in. I am fortunate to know a few excellent storytellers, and to call them friends. As she speaks I started to make connections to them, their stories, to language, to education, to writing, to travel, and to community. There are a few constructive criticisms if you read the comments about her talk, and while these are valid, they also highlight that her talk gives us something tangible and credible to discuss, even in the counter points. Perhaps that is a sign of good storytelling.
I enjoyed the first so much I continued on to the second by Chimamanda Adichie: The Dangers of a Single Story. I soon made connections to Binyavanga Wainaina’s work, my time in Kenya this summer conversing with people about perception, and to theme of this blog: balance. Perhaps another sign of good storytelling is weaving a tapestry that allows the listener or reader to make numerous personal connections. Both of these first two talks in the playlist certainly did for me, and when they struck at balance I felt like sharing them with you.
The third talk has some interesting ideas and allows Jonathan Harris to share some very interesting projects, but I do not find it as compelling as the first two. I will let you be the final judge.
I encourage you to at least watch the first two – it’s a better way to spend 38 minutes or so than watching some reality TV this evening, and I do not doubt you will make some tangible and personal connections of your own.
Finally, listen and watch for two quotes in particular that strike at balance. They both made me smile, and reaffirmed that storytelling – from all sides – is valuable on a number of levels.
Shafak quotes Chekhov: “The solution to the problem and the correct way of posing the question were two completely separate things.”
Adichie ends with: “When we reject the single story, when we realize there is never a single story about any place, we regain a kind of paradise.”
This post is now firmly an annual affair. However, the writing this year has been more challenging as there are a number of posts I have started in the past three weeks, but none have made it to completion. Thus, this post, somewhat unsuccessfully, bears the weight of those, while trying to stay true to the Labour Day theme established in previous years (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010). The result is the following.
The Tuesday is nearly upon us and transition is in our thoughts and actions. Each Eve of Tuesday post in years past has made some reference to transition (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), but this year the concept seems to be a particular focus. As you approach tomorrow’s renewal you likely have some thoughts and feelings of transition as well. The academic year, and sport seasons that so many of us follow, reach a point of change on this date or in the approaching weeks. As usual, it is important to take stock of where we have been. I know that so many of you have been on adventures again this summer. Some have left for new homes. Some welcomed new family members. Some went abroad. Some of you volunteered. Some of you set goals around health and fitness. Some of you spent quality time with family and loved ones. Some of you went into the outdoors. Many of us took risks, and experienced new adventures. Congratulations! I am so fortunate to know so many extraordinary people who strike out and engage in adventures and renewal! We shall carry our summer with us into the coming transitions. This includes carrying its victories, defeats, experiences of growth, celebrations, and trials. New jobs, new challenges, new schools, new teams, new relationships, fresh starts – all of these we will face with greater courage because of our summer, the past twelve months, and all the preceding years that have brought us to this point. We face times of transition not with mysterious strength, or merely depending on luck to steer us through unchartered experiences. Instead, we enter with the strength we have built through our past experiences, relationships, and previous transitions.
Perhaps one of the important factors of transition we are getting at here is growth. It is a topic that has been on my mind quite a lot lately. I was fortunate to go on an adventure this summer that allowed me to experience a completely new type of interconnected growth. In working with teaching colleagues from Canada and Kenya to further professional development, I experienced personal, social, emotional and professional growth. At the same time I witnessed, and was a part of other people’s growth in all of these areas, as well as the growth of community. However, I believe the effectiveness of this growth would not be fully realized if I was not able to capitalize on some transition time between that adventure, and beginning a new adventure tomorrow. The reflections, conversations, recuperation, and questions of that transition time have allowed the growth to fully set in. Now, as I transition into tackling the challenges and adventures of the next few weeks and coming year I know that I will call upon the new resources that this growth has provided. (The complete analysis of how growth and transition are interconnected is best left to another time otherwise this Labour Day post would turn into chapters).
For now, let us look towards tomorrow, the coming weeks, the twelve months ahead, and the excitement, nervousness and challenges that we are all no doubt faced with on some level. As usual, the foremost reminder is to be willing to turn to those around you for help. Times of transition are better managed with support. Further than this though, is recognizing what type of support you can give yourself. A few minutes ago I read an email from a travel mate – one who was an integral aspect of some much needed transition time I spent in London a couple of weeks ago. With the Tuesday and all the busy times of the autumn looming, a line in his email clearly reminded me to ask myself “What do I need?” It’s a question we should all be asking ourselves when we face transition, adventure, and challenges. It is not selfish to make sure we take care of ourselves. Often we remind each other “take care of yourself” “watch out for yourself”, but often we do not heed our very own advice – as more than one of you have reminded me recently. Transitions can be a costly event, but if we do not pay the price in taking care of ourselves during the time of transition – emotionally, physically, socially and mentally – then we will pay the price later in exhaustion, stress, or disorganization. The result will be an inability to be at our best, either for ourselves, or those we care about. In other words, at the time of transition, at the time of change, is when one should take the most care to ensure optimal health, and optimal growth.
Have a wonderful Tuesday. Take care of yourself and each other. I look forward to hearing about your coming adventures and experiences – please keep me up to date. I am excited about this year. While it may be sounding cliché, the words are true: we will accomplish a lot this year, together.
As has become the custom, some music will conclude our Labour Day post. Two songs this year. The first, a classic, speaks of courage, as that’s what we need sometimes to take care of ourselves. (The video also, begrudgingly subtly recognizes the Cup champs). Then, even with the holiday ending for many that read here, the second song reminds us to have fun!! (Come’on youz gotz to smile at playing with baby animals, regardless of the safety factor). After all that blah blah blah above, it’s a good take home message for tomorrow and beyond: have fun!
A couple of years ago I was encouraged to read Binyavanga Wainaina’s article entitled How to Write About Africa. I would sometimes recall it when people asked me what I was doing this summer, and I would try to reply that I was going to Kenya. Once here, our Education Beyond Borders team engaged in a reading of the same article to lead one of our discussions. We also read one other: JoAnn Van Engen’s The Cost of Short-Term Missions.
Wainaina is an excellent writer and the piece referneced here is engaging, witty, revealing, and most of all, poignant. Engen’s piece may make refernce to missionary work directly, but her thesis applies broadly to any individual or group – regardless of beliefs – that are engaged in volunteering or service away from home.
They appear in this post as (possible) required reading as they strike straight at the subject of balance. They make exceedingly clear that our attempts to balance the world around us, may in fact be attempts to balance our own personal world. Taking a step back, and considering the big picture will hopefully allow us to find a true balance between the personal and the greater world. There is much more that could be said on either or both, but for now at least, I encourage you to read at least one. Neither is very long, and I very much look forward to any comments you would have. They can be shared below, in email, or best of all, in person.
The definition of the adjective awesome is inspiring awe. I recently completed a four day safari in Kenya that was utterly awesome on a number of counts. Many times I was given to complete speechlessness at the beauty of nature and wildlife. Having grown up in British Columbia this says a lot, as my home province holds a great deal of unparalleled beauty. At the same time, reflection during the four days often left me in awe of the complete imbalance there is in our world in terms of opportunities. While I have certainly been familiar and aware of this imbalance previously, this experience drove it home in new ways.
I am appreciative of the means that allowed me to have all of the experiences of the past four days. This includes both the experiences that left me in awe of the world created regardless of humans, and those that left me in awe of the world we ourselves create.
My introduction to Kenya has been amazing. The people have been wonderfully kind, and welcoming. So many people truly express that they would like the world to visit. Simply from my introduction I am convinced that the invitation is well warranted. I am very much looking forward to the next phase of this adventure with Education Beyond Borders and learning even more about Kenya.
I was supposed to have written a few posts by now. One need only look at the previous post May 23 to note that I had ambitions of writing about a number of topics. The fifth anniversary of Être ou Avoir passed here without a whimper, and le Tour is now half over and not a word. Instead, I have been out living and preparing, and for that I make no apology – instead I encourage you to do the same. All the same, I have returned as I am perched precariously on the cusp of a new adventure, and adventure is what got this blog started in the first place. Just over five years ago I started writing here for a few reasons (check them here if you’re looking to bore yourself). I attended a monumental wedding, and prepared to cross an ocean. Here I sit, having attended a monumental wedding a week ago and am (somewhat) prepared to cross a different ocean. Thus, this post will serve to make a few connections, summarize some points that could be postings in their own right, act as a catch all, and perhaps prepare me to work on my writing while I am on this next adventure.
Firstly, a public congratulations to two of the most inspiring, and caring people I know: J & L had a wonderful wedding, and it was humbling to be a part of it.
Secondly, multiple chapeaux to the riders who poured it out to make the first part of le Tour so exciting. Namely: Hushovd, Evans, Voekler, Flecha, Sanchez, Sanchez, Cavendish, Farrar…. the list could go on. Of course, it’s been great to see my man Jens toil away with such dedication as well.
Thirdly, I am incredibly excited about the adventure that lies ahead. In less than two hours I will depart for London. Two days later I will fly to Kenya and spend about a month there volunteering with Education Beyond Borders. East Africa has been a dream of mine for a long, long time, but what makes me so very amped – and nervous – about this adventure is the opportunity to work with, and learn from Educators in a culture that is new to me. Publicly voicing this adventure reveals my passion for teacher development. This acknowledgement in this forum is also part of this adventure. I am looking forward to being humbled, learning, growing with others, and hopefully being able to give as well. If all goes well, reflections and summaries will get posted here.
Finally, I am so very appreciative of all the support I have had from family and friends. This past year was a fantastic one – not because it was always easy, on the contrary its challenges and successes combined to make it so fantastic. However, both it, and the run-up to this adventure would not have been possible without the care and support of so many intentional and positive people. Quite simply: Thank you!
I often say that I am beyond fortunate to have so many people in my life that are so caring. That still rings true – but there is also something to be said for being in this together, and there is most definitely a post on that topic waiting in the future.
Seeing as the primary theme of this blog is balance, and that the author is a big fan of TED Talks, it only makes sense that there be a post about a TED Talk that deals with balance. In the talk below, Nigel Marsh focuses on Work-Life balance in particular. He makes four rather obvious points, nonetheless, compelling for many in our society. I’ll let you watch it first, and then offer a brief response.
Firstly, the “balanced” day he first proposes for himself does sound pretty good, doesn’t it?
Secondly, I must say that he is spot on with the distilling the fundamentals that must be addressed into four points. Our society should be a social structure, not a corporate structure, and the push and debate for balance must be taken away from corporations who are trying to brand balance. There is a subliminal message that runs through our culture now, that if you buy the right coffee, on you way to the right yoga class, while wearing the ethically made work-out clothes, and checking your friends’ status updates on your expensive phone, then you are on your way to leading a “balanced” life. This not to say that buying the right coffee, keeping in touch with your friends, or caring about where your clothes come from are bad things. Although, perhaps one should be more careful about who defines what is a “balanced” life actually is. In this way, his final point – approaching balance in a balanced way – links thoughtfully back to his first point. (Probably not the first time he has engaged in public speaking).
My personal reflection after watching him speak, was that I feel incredibly fortunate to have those that are close to me – family, friends, and co-workers – value balance in its non-corporate defined form. While I still feel I have a lot I am working on to improve my balance, I do not feel I am the direct audience he is appealing to. I have a “job” where I laugh every day, feel valued by the people I work directly with, and for the most part I feel a caring connection. I do not think this is the status-quo in society – but you will correct me in the comments section if I am wrong). At the same time however, I need to continually question myself to ascertain if I am being subconsciously pushed to unhealthy expectations by my work. It can happen anywhere, even so, perhaps especially, in a caring environment. In the end though, I do not feel he addresses how work and life can co-exist in unique caring environments. However, he only has ten minutes, and perhaps he would have gone on to address this more specifically if afforded more time.
The one glaring aspect that is not a part of balance in my life, that is integral to his talk, is having children. No doubt, some of your reading this will be able to chime in on your thoughts regrading that connection to balance, yet I believe the story of him and his son having the “best day” of his son’s life to spot-on, and there are family, friends, and little buddies in my life that I can always take more time for. This anecdote served as a good reminder, that while I have vacation time coming up, it is about the people I spend it with, not where I spend it, that will be most important.
I’m going to wrap-up this mediocre piece of writing with a less than mediocre conclusion, as I possess many other thoughts milling about in my head. However, balance for me includes going to do other things besides blogging. More than anything, just thought I would step in and share his talk, and a few thoughts.
Have a great week – hopefully a well-balanced one.
Yesterday unfolded as a fantastic day. It certainly wasn’t sunshine and lollipops, but if I could have bottled the ingredients I’d be sure to take a swig every weekend to help keep things balanced. The day began with some unexpected humility. I was reminded that I am beyond fortunate in so many ways, and that I owe so much to others. At the same time it reset what the priorities in life should be. Spending some time with family in this process crystallized these priorities even more.*
Mid-day was spent with a host of kind and caring people over an incredible home-made meal, and the continuing of a modern tradition among great friends. Laughter and friendship helped to usher in the holiday season. The evening was filled with the excitement and energy of little buddies bombing around. It was capped with being humbled again. For the past little while, there has been a transition from me reading to a little buddy, to having the little buddy read to me. This transition was cemented last night. Laughter and friendship sent me out into the night on my way home.
There was a lot of joy yesterday, and some important reminders that nothing should be taken for granted. I could go for that each and every Saturday.
*(Those waiting to point out the hypocrisy, don’t worry I too see that blogging, social networking, and simply having a computer do not even come close to being on the priority list [nor should they], but I hope you’ll allow me to say that it allows for communication and extending the balance).
