C: Change & Celebration

Choosing a word for c was hard for me. So many words came to mind when I first began to brainstorm this idea. I thought of communication and collaboration and change, then got stuck on the concept of cognitive dissonance (expect to see this pop up again!). Then I decided to ask my twitter PLN what words came to my when they thought of reflection. Some of the “c” words they suggested:

• changing, celebrating successes – @jenmarten
• consider, celebrate – @JamieArmin
• change, celebration – @lisadcelaya
• clarity – @KathleenDiver

It was interesting to me that both change and celebration came up multiple times. It seemed important to reflect on both of these words.

When I think about reflection, so often change is involved. Either I am overly stressed and haven’t taken the time to reflect as much as I should during an important time of change, or I find myself gravitating to my reflective practices (writing, walking, communicating with friends and colleagues) more than normal as I become engrossed in major change. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve written about how I need to make time to write and reflect during times of stress, usually after I’m already in the midst of that stress! For me, reflection helps calm my stress and support me during times of change. I actually enjoy change in my professional life but not as much in my personal life.  

You might think that celebration and change do not have much in common. However, when I think about these two words to the concept of reflection, I see many connections. An important aspect of reflection is taking time to celebrate- celebrate successes, acknowledge challenges, and celebrate the continued journey. So often leaders forget to celebrate the good things (#eduwins!) that happen day-to-day because we become engrossed in the challenges still before us. There will always be challenges. But those seem less daunting when we take time to reflect on all that we have already accomplished.

I vow to reflect more during times of change and to celebrate more in my life.  

Reflective questions to consider:

• How do you handle change?
• What can you celebrate in your professional and personal life?
• What will you do to reflect more this week?

Celebrate Success: A blog post on celebrating students’ successes, big and small, in the classroom.

My friend Barb has begun her abecedary journey as well and her first letter is ironically a C.  Check it out here if you dare (and especially if you, too, wear a cape!)!

Abecedary of Reflection:

• Appreciation
• Belief