Vulnerability

This week was tougher than usual. I try to remind myself that weeks like this past week or other difficult events arrive as pulse checks. They are sent our way to remind us what a rough week feels like which only makes us appreciate the less rough weeks and positive events more. So many struggles on so many levels but it occurs to me in the quiet of this Sunday morning that this is the work. The work won't always easily come to us. Sometimes, we have to persevere for the resolution. It's a test to see what we're made of. Maybe as a leader, an educator, an ally, a daughter and a mother.  

During these times, we are often misunderstood. Those that say things about our situations to others, but not directly to us, do so to get us off track. Others want to argue efforts or suggest ulterior motives.  Earlier this year, I was advised that I was the fifth or sixth (can't remember exact number used) Assistant Superintendent in a district in the last five years. He went on to tell me that people aren't sure of my agenda or what program I am selling. His honesty made me think. 

Thing is, I only have one agenda item. Put kids first. Well maybe two items. Put kids first and forgive them when they mess up. Use mistakes as foundations for future learning and not as reasons to throw our hands up in the air and give up. My biggest flaw is that I can usually find some good in the most unlikely scenarios. That can be frustrating to some. I get it. I live it so am aware of the irritation that might bring to others. One of my favorite phrases a current colleague of mine uses is, "We can do better".  Each time we are not successful with a student in minor and major ways, that phrase describes putting kids first. We can do better, so let's do it. Or at least try. We may not be successful at every effort but we will know we attempted. 

Change can be scary. So can advocacy, sustaining hope and showing up each day with resolve to try one more time. It requires bounds of empathy and a comfort with oneself to be vulnerable if needed.

Brené Brown has said, "Vulnerability is your most accurate measure of courage." Maybe vulnerability is my real agenda item. 

Brené Brown: The Biggest Myth About Vulnerability

Other quotes by Brené Brown that fit:

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness.”
― Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

“Nothing has transformed my life more than realizing that it’s a waste of time to evaluate my worthiness by weighing the reaction of the people in the stands.”
― Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
― Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead