My Garden Grows

How can I decide what is the first step in tackling a project? It can be an immobilizing feeling. If I go down the ‘wrong’ path everything could be wasted effort or a washout of results. Perfectionists don’t like to be inefficient. Everything matters and backtracking is messy. So, since I was born to two perfectionist parents and cannot escape my handicap, I have entered into a pact with myself. For every long-range plan I embark on, I make sure that every step along the way is productive and enjoyable all on its own. That way, even if the path to my goal is not straight and perfect, there will be no regrets. Here’s an example: I plan for a strategic lesson that I hope can illuminate the relationship of a rhythm and its melody. The students don’t see what I thought was so obvious. I realize that a key bit of association skill is missing from many of their experiences. I will have to think how to build that and try that activity again on another day. But, all is not lost! Part of the plan was to have a great time singing and moving to the music and experiencing the joy of each other’s company. That’s a win if you must have one. In fact, it’s really good, which it should be. I often feel very disappointed if I dwell on my misjudgments, but when I accept the unexpected and look at it under the lens of grow or whither, these “What was I thinking?” moments can turn out to be a growing experience for all. I like gardening. So here’s a lesson from my garden.  It is the plant’s (student’s) nature to grow. It is the environment (mostly the gardener, sometimes mother nature) that causes whither. Ouch! Don’t withhold water or become overheated or deny your beautiful garden good nutrition just because you are frustrated. Growth often happens unevenly. Be happy with raising your students in a healthy environment!