After teaching for almost twenty years, I've been reflecting a lot on the past. Of course much of this has to do with the book which had me immersed in writing and re-writing and editing and editing, and did I mention editing? Mostly however, it's about remembering - and realizing that the transition I made from a job surrounded by dogs to a job surrounded by kids was pretty seamless. The reasons for this are many, but to mention a few;Dogs don't know life is short, they live in the moment and experience every moment of it with total abandon. Sleeping in a warm spot of sunshine - incredible! Dinner - even more incredible! Dogs can sense who they can trust, and who they can't. Something new and exciting could happen at any moment - and a dog is ready for it. If you treat your dog with respect and affection, they will reward you with complete loyalty.
Kids understand that life is not endless, but they don't dwell on it -they make the most of it. Whatever they are feeling they feel with intensity and sincerity. They'll tell you what they think, whether you like it or not, and more likely than not, it will be the pure unadulterated truth. Kids are ready to have fun at the drop of a hat. If you treat them with respect and value their opinions, they will reward you with complete loyalty.
Adults know life is short, and they still waste precious moments on things that don't matter. They feel guilty for enjoying the simple things in life, or angry at those who don't. They're always waiting for the other shoe to drop. They schedule meetings in order to schedule subcommittees to schedule more meetings. And sometimes if you treat them with respect and affection and value their opinions, they'll turn around and hurt you simply because they need to feel powerful in some distorted way.
Dogs don't do that. Kids don't do that.
The adults I like the most are the ones that in some ways, never grow up. Like my friends and family who can make me laugh so hard that I can't breathe, or who tell me I look like total crap when I'm sick.
Adults like my 71 year old Uncle who had a bike accident when he was 10, and this year decided that he was going to get back on it and try it again and sent me a photo of himself on his new bike with the caption "60 years later...I'm no quitter!"
So if someone ever tells you that you are lazy as a dog, or as immature as a child, it may not be the worst thing in the world.
Actually, it may be a compliment.
Actually, it may be a compliment.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment