Nobody tells people who are beginners…
I’ve spent a lot of time over the last two months researching people and blog post ideas that speak to the message of how to stay inspired. I’ve paid particular attention to those that are not educators. Why you say? Well…I really believe that we, those of us that are educators, have to take the time and the initiative to learn from others in different creative crafts and get out of our “educational” box. I believe that stretching into a space that is not educational, helps me to see my work through a different lens. It forces me to have to dig deeper. It forces me to stay focused. It forces me to search to make better meaning for my self of my work and to more fully engage with the teachers that I support and collaborate with.This time of researching has provided me with a unique opportunity to reflect on how I can grow as an educator and nurture more of my creative talents.
I’m fascinated now with the tremendously creative people who are photographers and writers. I’m intrigued with the way that they blog, share ideas and photograph life. I’m also intrigued with how so many of them offer e-courses in how to “dive deep into our creative & emotional selves.”
One that I’ve recently connected to is Susannah Conway. I’m looking forward to taking one of her e-courses called UNRAVELLING: WAYS OF SEEING MY SELF.
I think it would be amazing if more educators offered these kinds of courses, in an intimate setting, for teachers both experienced and new, who could come together and work side by side in developing a deeper, “soulful” side of the teaching experience. I’m going to begin working on developing just this kind of e-course for educators. One that would seek to develop the more intimate side of ourselves that we need to discover to be more fully committed to our craft.
Susannah Conway shared this video today with her subscribers, and I was SO moved that I had to watch it about 3 times. Then I knew that I had to share it today, here, with all of you.
[vodpod id=Video.10502955&w=425&h=350&fv=]
(You can read more about Ira Glass here http://www.pri.org/this-american-life.html)
Does this resonate with you? How at first our teaching feels terrible, but then one day it grows into this amazing, energizing experience? Or maybe you’ve started a blog and you just can’t stay inspired to keep writing? Been there, done that, kept going.
My message to you today is this: in the midst of your work, as you may be feeling that you are falling short…do the work, keep moving through the struggle and…don’t quit.
Be Inspired, today.
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LISA DABBS
Wife. Mom. Educator. Author. She started her career as an elementary school teacher in Southern California. In this role as teacher, she assisted with a grant project and became the Project Director of a Language and Literacy program. Read more
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Wow, you have posted a comment on my blog and I’ve read this your post the other day and I found it so encouraging!
Keep up your wonderful attitude:)
I am 21 (similar to your son maybe:D) and my “big dream” is to become a writer but it still seems like in that video, that I write stuff with sooo many flaws. But my mentor in creative writing course said that to him (and he published hundreds of books many of which became classic in Slovakia) it seems that it really doesn’t matter whether you write or draw, because creativity is intervowen in a person. That’s why I try to draw as much as I can too:)
what about your manifesto? are you going to write any by a chance? I would like to read that:)
Hey Leilita,
Thanks for your lovely comment. Yes! I will be doing a ME Manifesto soon. Meditating on how to do it…write it? Photography? Video? Still not sure, but definitely working on it. Let’s keep in touch!
I’m blessed Lisa, ’cause I’m ALWAYS inspired in this new and second career…which is really only 3 years new with some aspects even younger such as my radio show (less than 2 years) and #DadChat (less than a year). I get new ideas ALL the time and in our new crazy modern age, I can mostly implement them w.o. much effort or expense.
It’s exciting and it’s fun.
Thank you Bruce for stopping by to read my post. This recent move to freelance educational work is still a work in progress. That said, I’ve been able to do more creative work in this last 2 years than the last 14 as a school principal. Cheers for second career inspiration!
I must say “Good post”. As an e-Instructor, i know how difficult it is to stay focused and keep going in a setting where there is no physical existence of the students. I appreciate your commitment to do something to come out of the rustiness for educators. I’ll be waiting for such e-courses. Personally, I have interests in Photography with my Digital cam and recently started blogging, you can look at the posts on: http://www.yasirzeb.blogspot.com
Lets connect and Collaborate,,Cheers!
Thanks so much for stopping by to read my post and for sharing a comment. Your insights are so true. Finding that right balance in the e-course is critical to connecting with the participants. I believe that by taking the one I mentioned and a few others it will help me to develop mine for educators. I will definitely be doing some work in developing an e-course and will share it when the launch is ready. All the best to you in your blog journey!
Great post! I love that you’re consciously searching outside the limits of your profession. I get so energized when I’m able to watch someone else’s creative process. It’s like peeking in on their brain waves — an illuminating experience.
Have you ever heard of Pecha Kucha? It’s a fast-paced night of presentations by creative types. Started in Japan, but is now established in 464 cities worldwide. We have a good one going where I’m from in Tennessee. I think you’d like it! Thanks for the article and the video… love it.
So great that you stopped by, Sara and took the time read my post and leave a comment. Yes! My word for this year is Create and I really want to move past the limits of what I’ve been doing as an educator for 20 some years. Want to reach outside the box and do things, I felt I couldn’t so as a school principal. Yes, I’ve heard of Pecha-Kucha and seen quite a few. Love them! I thank you for that great idea of getting involved in some here on the west-coast. Cheers!
One of my many mantras is Perseverence and Persistence are Omnipotent. Your post reminded me of that. Check out this book on Creativity. It is a keeper: http://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Flow-Psychology-Discovery-Invention/dp/0060928204
Yes! So true…I’m with you on that. Many thanks for the book recommendation and your comment. My word for the year is Create! Will be doing a post on that next week. 🙂
Thanks for the reminder to persevere. I agree that, as educators, we get caught up in the ‘grind house’ and we forget that parts that inspired us to begin with. So, thanks for reminding me.
Thanks so much Paul for stopping by and taking the time to leave me a comment. I’m so glad my post touched a chord. Cheers!