From Me to You!

Where I am today.......

Dear Reader,

I sit here at the lake, trying to be brave, and I keep seeing the same four geese that have been slowly swimming by in front of me for days. Somehow, I think they are guiding me. I remember not to long ago presenting at a staff meeting using the lessons of the geese to inspire my staff to love, support and lift the wings of one another by taking the lead when one goose was wounded and to be a team who is united. The lead goose heads up the flock as they fly and when he is weak and tired, he flies to the back and is carried in the drift by the strength of his team. If one goose heads down, a few always remain back to care for him. For all of you who have carried me and tended to me, I thank you through tears. I have nose dived and hit the ground hard but I am going to attempt to fly again. Without YOU it wouldn't be possible.

I am a wife to an incredibly loyal man, a mother to four beautiful children whom all have unique gifts and challenges, and a daughter to two incredible parents who have loved me unconditionally for 45 years. I am also a sister, a friend and a teacher.

I spent 18 years of my life in the education field. I was blessed with the opportunity to teach both kindergarteners and fourth graders as well as becoming a coach to teachers and then I became a county wide staff developer for both teachers and leaders. My experiences taught me so much about valuing the special gifts and talents of a wide variety of people. I ended my career as the principal of an incredible elementary school that will remain in my heart forever.

During these valued years, I didn't care for myself properly. I took hard fall that led me down a new path. This will slowly be revealed throughout this blog as I share my struggles and tools when appropriate. This path has left me with two years to learn who I was, how to use what gifts I have left, and how to self care in order to bring forward the best version of myself. I have been gifted with time to reflect, read, do yoga, work on diet and health and better myself. I have also lived with a monstrous shame that has crippled me. Putting this blog out makes me feel naked. I am still working on that shame and I am hopeful that while working on this blog that I will grow in that area as well. This journey isn't easy but it is worth the work and fight.

This blog is my next effort to use my skills to connect with others and continue to learn and grow with my fellow geese on this planet. Together we are one team, one flock, with one shared mission to bring our best selves to others. We are designed to give and receive love.

I continue to see lessons in everything I do. Life has so much to teach us. Let's learn and grow together. I don't have all the answers however I know I have a gift to stimulate and challenge thinking.

You are beautiful! You have unique gifts and thoughts. Don't keep them to yourself! I want to learn from you and others do too.

Much Love,

Cindy