Since my retirement, I was having a difficult time blogging. I promised myself I would continue to write. I’ve had some ideas for topics and I actually got started, but I was not inspired to continue and deleted them. Today, I read George Couros’ blog, “3 Ways Blogging Has Helped Me Grow as a Learner,”and I knew that I needed to get going again because blogging has been a way for me to reflect and to continue my learning.
Like George, I started blogging to experience what it would be like for our students. ("What Was I Thinking?") At the time, our students were being asked to do more persuasive types of writing as part of the Common Core State Standards. It was hard to keep going. I tried to blog regularly, but a set schedule didn't work out for me. Since I started six years ago, I've averaged about two per month. Some are better than others, and I am hopeful that readers were able to think about what I had written and apply it to themselves.
Now that I've retired after 45 years as an educator, I find myself continuing to read about teaching, leading, and learning, but I realize that as time passes, I may find new interests and new ideas to advocate for. After all, isn't that what retirement should be - the ending of one journey and the beginning of another?
During the last few months as a retiree, I've been able to binge-read books that I somehow didn't have the chance to read when I was working. I go to the gym and walk my dog regularly, something that is good for both of us since he is also getting older. I continue to purge (this will take a long time; we've lived in this house for 36+ years) and I've been able to get my hands dirty as I work on weeding and trying to be a gardener (this is definitely a work-in-progress as I have not been successful yet). It has been so relaxing!
Retirement came at the right time for me. I had prepared for it mentally and emotionally. I loved being the principal of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School, and I still miss the people and the challenges, but it was time. I don't regret my decision at all, and I know the school continues to move forward in a positive direction under their new leadership team.
Those who read this blog know that we lost our second son recently ("Aloha, Jarand"). His passing made me realize that life is fleeting; we never know when it is our time. In the beginning, it was difficult for me to talk with people about how Jarand passed, but now, I see if as a responsibility to let others know how Chronic Kidney Disease can be prevented through early screening. This was not something I planned on doing in my retirement, but as a life-long learner and an educator, I believe this is something I need to do.
So as I write this blog post, my first in over a month, I realize that I do have something to write about. It may no longer be exclusively about education, but hopefully, writing will provide me with the venue to reflect and to continue to learn in the process. Thank you, George Couros, for getting me back to blogging!
