Life changes are evitable. As a child I
moved every 2-4 years and typically the move meant big cultural
changes – I moved from London England to Guam when I was 16 –
that was an adjustment. Whenever, I was faced with a life change or something that challenges me greatly; I
need adjustment time. I now call this “recalculating” time.
Like a GPS which says "recalculating"
after you missed a turn, nicely redirecting you to a place to turn
around or a new route based on your current position it also can mean
"you screwed up, try it again." Although sometimes my
recalculating time may be based on just that – I missed an
important turn and need to circle around; they are also a time for me
to get my bearings and plan a new route ahead. These times allow me
to appreciate where I came from; review what I may want to change and
make plans for the future destination. For me moving forward
learning/growing has been important so, I don’t always enjoy these
moments of “recalculating” as they feel like the in-between limbo
land however, I have learned to value them as important life
transitions.
Reflection plays an important part in
our lives. It is said that we do not learn from experience…we
learn from reflecting on experience.” (John Dewey, one of the
theoretical leaders on learning). Thought is that true learning
comes from a sequence of experiences, reflections, abstractions, and
active testing. Jennifer Moon author of Reflection
in Learning and Professional Development states
that reflection is a form of mental processing (like a form of
thinking) that is used to fulfill a purpose or to achieve some
anticipated outcome. It is applied to relatively complicated or
unstructured ideas for which there is not an obvious solution and is
largely based on the further processing of knowledge and
understanding and possibly emotions that we already possess.
Refection is also a search for connection. James Zull author of the
The
Art of Changing the Brain: Enriching the Practice of Teaching by
Exploring the Biology of Learning writes that,
“Even if we experience something that has happened to us before, it
is hard to make meaning of it unless it engages our emotions.”
My recalculating time helps me to raise
my awareness of myself as learners and to see that how I can direct
and change. I appreciate being around others who spent time in
reflection and are willing to discuss it as it helps me reflect more
and grow. Fall or the end of the calendar year always seem to be a
natural time to spend reflecting; a time of transition as the leaves
turn; school starts and we start to move to the shorter darker days
of winter. So, if you find yourself feeling in a place of limbo;
that awkward in-between feeling; know that its an important part of
learning and growing. It also means your soon be moving ahead. For
me, it will be moving ahead to my next adventure; I’m sure.
I leave you with
Allstate
insurance GPS ad spoof video.
