Friday, February 26, 2021 (Day 57)
Meditation Music: Through My Eyes: Liquid Mind (6:45) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KIh20IZo1Q
Question: If you could go back and relive the last year, what would you do differently?
Answer: The past year has been an interesting year – this time last year, I was preparing to present the keynote address at the Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession’s National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia – right at the time when the coronavirus was spreading in the U.S. It was the last REAL trip I took – and when I got to Atlanta, the Conference was cancelled. And since that time, I’ve been working from home. Hard to imagine that it’s been a year…and I’m still home and the virus is still here. At least there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, since they now have a vaccine.
To be honest, I don’t know if there’s much I would change. I was forced to teach my courses online; in the past, I would NEVER teach or present online – now, I see it as a way of life. And I’ve taught in real time (live) and asynchronous, so I’m embracing all methods of teaching. And it helped me put together the Life Design Catalyst curriculum online and have people invest in it, so that’s good. If there’s one regret, I would say that I wished I had started this journal and meditation practice last year, since it has done wonders for my attitude and spirit. It actually gives me something to look forward to every day, listening to soothing music to get me to focus my attention on writing and sharing. By committing to the journal writing online, it forces me to keep the commitment. To be honest, if no one ever read any of my posts, I would still be okay with it because it’s really getting me to think about my life – and to be grateful for everything I have. One more thing…I would have stayed more connected with my dear friend Megan. We were like two peas in a pod for the longest time, but I let things go because of things felt like they were deteriorating for me at UNCG. She was being asked to be involved in more things, involved in the conversations about various changes around campus; I was pretty much left in the dark. So I decided to separate myself from all things UNCG as I tried to decide my “what’s next?” And now that I know this, it’s time to build that relationship back again. Now that I’m more at peace at what I’m doing and preparing for my future the right way, I can work on those frayed relationships more. No more dwelling; it’s time to “keep moving forward.”
Other Stuff
As I was making my bed this morning, it made me think about this speech from a Naval Officer, Admiral William H McCraven at the 2014 University of Texas at Austin Commencement. His talk addresses lessons that can be implemented to make a better world. There both humor and seriousness in his message; I imagine we can all take one thing away from his message. I did – I now make my bed every morning. At least one successful endeavor each day! Check out his speech here:
- Admiral William H. McRaven, University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70
So if you want to change the world, start by making your bed.
The Dream Dean 