Regenerative Conversations

I've started to think of these weekly blog posts as an encore in a concert. They are not always that mega hit you've been waiting for all night, but sometimes that one additional song you remember came from them. I use that as my excuse for these being a bit flimsy to comparison to the writing I do all week.

My usual week involves writing to students, both in response to their emails and when I reach out to those falling behind, which is not a practice everyone does, I've come to learn. I usually write a reminder announcement to at least a few of my five classes about the workload and to remind them that I support their work even while my workload is heavy. Believe me, I feel the struggle.

I had two major assignments due this week. One was the Results, Conclusions, and Recommendations sections, among other sections, for my pilot study. This took me significant chunks of time to write. I also conducted a conversation with a thought leader. From that I created a 9-minute video, which took about five hours to create. In addition to that, I spent at least a couple hours writing a reflection piece to accompany the video and further address the expectations of the assignment. After getting caught up with work - not counting the four papers not yet due waiting for me - I wrote one reflection for my research class and another for my leadership course. 

I do have four highlights for the week that expand upon some of these ideas.

I was offered a second online speech class for the spring semester. I'm happy about this. I showed interest in a class I haven't taught before but is likely one I could lead, especially with my doctoral work in research writing. I have not heard back on that yet, but I'm proud of myself for self-advocating.

I had two noteworthy conversations this week, one that was a planned interaction and one that was a pleasant surprise. The planned one was my conversation with Scott J. Allen, host of the Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders podcast. The phone call happened on Friday, and my work in reflecting upon it happened on Saturday. As I reference above, I put a lot of work into that reflection that would just be repetitive to share here. I did share the video aspect with Dr. Allen, but I also submitted a five-page reflection to my professor. 

Various details within that conversation truly inspired me. Dr. Allen talked about following the energy that is calling to be actualized, which is a similar theme from the work of Carol Sanford as well as Otto Scharmer, both of whom I've been reading and listening to this quarter. I have been listening to his podcast for the past year, and it was a bit of a surreal experience to talk with him on the phone. It will stay with me for a while, I'm sure. 

Between completing the two sections of that assignment yesterday, I treated myself to a meeting with a theater hero of mine and the show he directed. He and I have a long history in theater, and I've admired him for several years. He has directed me in a few shows, and I've collaborated with him in other ventures. I shared some of my recent highlights and interest in changing careers, along with my beginning ideas for a dissertation. In his usual manner and grace, he encouraged me in all of my pursuits. He even told me about a posting at the university he was reminded of during our talk. This morning I finished my application to that position.

Theory U talks about "letting go to let come." My decision to no longer teach in person in the manner I've become accustomed to is the 'letting go.' These past couple months have helped me grow in my decision. I imagine it will be a hard adjustment if I'm facing another month of unemployment and only two courses for the spring, but should that come, it will also give me the push to pursue a change more intentionally. 

I'm feeling positive right now and look forward to a restful afternoon before returning to the grind in the morning.