I was recently taking a trip down memory lane and explained to my daughter's that I was always the last one to be picked for teams in PE. I was not the most athletic growing up, and there definitely wasn’t equitable groupings in education yet. The best of the best players were team captains, and then each student got to choose the second best, and so on, until the “bottom of the barrel;” was left, Which consisted of me and my best friend. To be honest, the two of us were incredible dancers and our talents didn’t necessarily lie in competitive hand eye coordination sports but more with movement and balance. . .
So fast forward, 30 years later. . . the statement “I choose You” is still a very heavy statement.
To be chosen for a job opportunity, to be chosen to represent your family, to be chosen to represent a cause, to be chosen for too many opportunities can be a bit overwhelming. It can also be daunting when you are not chosen, regardless of your age or ability.
So, I wonder, what if you use that statement and truly say “I choose . . . and make some priorities.”
When you choose something, you are also leaving something else behind. That is sometimes the hard part. However, it is quite liberating when you do make some choices.
My childhood was rooted in balance and rhythm. It is no secret that I have a love for water, specifically the ocean. It is no secret that Scott has a love for water, specifically rivers.
The rhythms and movement of water is soothing. It’s knowing that moments will pass and there are different routes to take.
Have you ever watched a pool of water overflow?
It will go in different directions but will find a way to move. I find that is how it is in life.
Sometimes as an adult, the amount of responsibilities, pressures, and societal “must do’s and bucket lists” can be overwhelming. That is when I find that my bucket of water overflows and my priorities can be a bit scattered.
So, I have decided to figure out what I really want to choose and prioritize. Let’s face it, we can’t do it all and anyone who is posting that they can do 1,000 tasks in a day really isn’t able to do it all.
We all have different ways to set our priority list:
Scott scribbles it on a piece of paper
I write it out by day, sometimes even times (I know that is the forever teacher in me)
I have a sea of sticky notes with different priority lists.
My daughter’s (they are the tech savvy ones) can create a priority list on the computer or even have apps with reminders.
Whatever works for you- take a moment to figure out what you are going to make a priority and what do you need to let go of.
What is important to you? Are you making yourself a priority?
I recently was explaining the journey of our businesses and how our priorities have shifted immensely in the past two years.
If someone would have told me five years ago that my twenty years in education would be taking a turn and I would be diving into the world of entrepreneurship - I think I would have laughed and thought that person was crazy. But, if someone also would have told me five years ago that we as a global society would experience a pandemic and have the entire world shut down- I think I would have thought that person was absolutely looney.
My point is to be prepared for opportunities that arise, also be prepared for challenges that arise. WE sometimes have to say goodbye to some priorities to make room for the new gifts that are waiting to be opened by us.
Breathe into it, give it life, you will be thankful in the long run.
By making these thoughtful choices, you truly can have the life that you have been longing for.
I am beyond excited about the many new chapters that are to come for the Iler Woods family. Are you ready for your next chapter?
On that note, we are excited to announce that our blog will now consist of a monthly inspirational post and a monthly post specifically about new products and projects in Iler Woods shop. So you will receive two posts per month to read! Can't wait for your feedback!
At last, I found this quote today and couldn't wait to share it with you.
To change your life, you need to change your priorities.
- Mark Twain
Absolutely love this blog post. I agree, it is great when you are chosen. I will be forever grateful that our paths crossed. Thank you for choosing me. Working with both Ilerwoods and Ilermeadows really helped launch my sourdough micro-bakery. You all amaze me. I respect all that you do for our community as educators and small business owners. You have been so generous with connecting me with all the right people to help grow my own business. You give 100% of yourself with each project and with such professionalism. It's a pleasure to know you and call you friends. I look forward to what the future holds and to do it with such incredible friends and business part…