The Big Rocks First
For the past two decades, I have used the
Franklin Covey system to manage my life, dreams and goals. The simple concept of putting "first things first", a phrase coined by Stephen Covey allows me to focus on what really matters most. This process allows for me to dream big, and to breakdown the dreams into daily work that causes me to gain momentum. Whether the task is finishing the
Underground Railroad Quilt that I started last year, by December or finding the perfect school for my boys, it can be accomplished by putting the big rocks first.
As I look at my big rocks today, a few things resonate for me about this year. This has been a remarkable year of transition, movement, change, and opposition. Throughout the entirety of each of these occurrences I have remained true to my compass, set to reach the goals that are within my reach, as a wife, mother, parent, community advocate, and professional.
As we wade through the last quarter of the year, here are some things I'm pondering:
- My thought for the year was "Consider This" Looking at things from the perspective of others, rather than my own narrow vision has caused me to appreciate people more. I believe I'm less likely to jump to conclusions, and allow the person to be revealed before my eyes. Believe me lots has been revealed in such a short period of time. I think, this phrase is a great tool to join with treating others as you would like to be treated.
- When you are in the midst of crisis, it really reveals our true nature and character. When things are well and flowing, it's easy to be kind, respectful, thoughtful of others. That's the easy part. When everything falls down around you, and people don't treat you fairly, and life continues to unfold in all of the schemes of life, that's when our true character arises.
- Making things with my hands, makes me happy! When I have needle in hand, and get to create crafty goodness, I smile from the inside. I believe it's just an innate part of who I am, and that's why it resonates so strongly with me. Quilting, scrapbooking, making personalized birthday cards, embroidery, redwork, cross-stitching.....they just make me happy.
- My family is a source of joy, comfort, love and support. My nuclear family smiles to see me coming, awakes me with lots of love and appreciates the work I do on their behalf. To see smiling faces in the morning, when I roll out of bed, and to be greeted by three excited faces when I step through the door after work makes my day, everyday and always. My greatest accomplishment this year is returning to the family table, eating meals at the table with the boys, has proven to be one of the greatest accomplishments of the year. The laughter, the conversation, the bonding makes it all worth it.
- New opportunities are unfolding in my work as a educational consultant. The launching of a fresh works begins in October. Stay tuned for more information on the newly formed Parent Support program and the DPI Director's Network. I'm glad to be in partnership with colleagues that support the work of equipping families and nurturing children.
