A Safe Space | August 2023
Happy New Year, AC family!
Now, obviously, it is not January. But one could argue that most Americans (especially families with children at home, as well as employees, like yourself, that work in education) probably feel the rhythm of the calendar year, where a more real ‘beginning’ happens around mid-August. You know this better than anyone. I certainly felt this years ago when I was working with families with teens. Every year in early August, about 25 families would head into the New Mexico mountains for the weekend, where we would play, eat, rest, connect, and enjoy each other and each others’ kids before the start of the new school year. And throughout the weekend, we would take about an hour per day for families to spread out all around the campsite and have time for parents and children to reflect together, to share what they are hopeful for for the next school year, and maybe even to articulate some goals that rise to the top out of those shared reflections and desires for their family. And I would encourage them to get as specific as possible with any goals or habits that may come out of that. Because the truth is, by the time we reach October, whatever family rhythms, practices, and habits are in place and pretty much frozen for the remainder of the school year. We therefore had about 4-5 weeks to establish what kind of family we wanted to be for the year and what that might look like.
Similarly, before the controlled chaos of a new school year is underway soon, I want to encourage you to take some time to reflect – individually, both personally and professionally, as well as with regard to your family. Maybe even get out a legal pad and journal. So many of you help and coach your students this way academically…what if we considered this for our personal lives and our families? Here may be some questions to consider:
- What are some things that you are grateful for from the past 12 months? What are some accomplishments or other things that I’m excited about from the past year?
- What have been some changes or challenges? Losses? Maybe even failures?
- What have you learned from both questions above? How do you feel you or your family are different than a year ago?
- Looking ahead, what is something you are looking forward to or excited about for these next 12 months? What concerns would you acknowledge?
- What would be one way that you would hope to grow or become more healthy? This could be anything related to your physical, mental, social, emotional, or spiritual health. This could include adding, adjusting, experimenting with, or even eliminating something for your good and for those in your care.
- Is there a specific concern about life as it is right now that feels like it may get in the way of movement toward this articulated goal? What other aspects of life may need to be adjusted in order to be more attentive to this desired growth area?
- Who can you share your reflections with to help encourage you?
One of my favorite acronyms when it comes to change and growth is VIM – Vision, Intention, and Means. Vision is having a crystal-clear picture of a preferred future for yourself or your family. Intention is when that vision becomes compelling enough that there is resolve and a decision to act. And the Means are the practical steps and practices needed to make movement toward this vision becoming realized. In my experience, our lack of growth usually comes from the Vision for our life not being clear, articulated, and therefore not very compelling. Let’s change that and get after it this school year!
May you be well, and may you do good.
Your cheerleader and chaplain,
Adam Gray
806.282.5263
scheduling link - https://InnerWellServices.as.me/AmarilloCollege
