Saturday, July 3, 2021 (Day 184)
Relaxing Music for the week: From the Silence: Liquid Mind (8:30) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozXOCagXK1A
Question: What’s the number one thing that feels like it’s missing from your life right now?
Answer: So this month is about growth, right? Questions could also be about relationships as well, since that seems to be the area that I’m struggling the most right now. In fact, I’m finding these questions much more intriguing (so far) that the questions on relationships. These are definitely more probing, which will in turn provide much deeper answers. So, what’s the number one thing that feels like it’s missing from my life right now? Actually, it’s two things: (1) clarity on my relationship with Rebecca, and (2) clarity on my “role” at work. As far as my relationship with Rebecca…we’re in a holding pattern right now, as she decides what she wants in life. I had the same question when I turned 50 several years ago, when my focused went from “what do I want?” to “what’s the legacy I want to leave behind?” And the legacy question made it really easy for me to focus my energy, plus it gave me clarity and direction. So I’m giving her space to think about what she wants for her life. As far as work goes, I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m focused on creating a Center for Transitions and Transformation, where our main function is to provide our students/clients with possibilities. I was thinking about this on my walk and in the shower this morning, as I plan to submit a proposal to the HHS Administrative Team within the next couple of weeks. One of the things I thought about was, can they sum up what HHS is all about in three words or less. Here’s what I came up with: Profoundly Serve Others. Every one of our majors (undergrad and grad) and all of the Centers in the School is all about serving others. It’s in our vision, mission, and values, so why aren’t our efforts focused on helping students identify how they want to profoundly serve others, then come up with the strategies to get there? And once they come up with their strategies, ask the faculty/department/school to help them get to their “preferred future?” That’s what the CTT does for our students. Will be interesting to have the conversation…I don’t expect much, but if I don’t do anything, they’ll come up with something that will be another band-aid, instead of a plan. So, two things for me – a quality relationship with my wife and quality work with UNCG. Is that too much to ask?
The Dream Dean 