Accepting Change?

11/13/17 

I struggle with change. As a natural revolutionary, I am prone equally to seeking change, to resisting the authority that wants to make a change, to desiring to set up an alternate structure, and in reflexively wanting to fight to protect the change I had fought for originally- even if it that fix has run its course. So, yeah, cognitive dissonance is a regular bedfellow of mine. Thankfully, though, my professional maturation has led me to temper most of my revolutionary tendencies- leaving me more processing capacity to roll with changes and problem-solve real-time.

Many of us will complain/vent about a new change- even while another part of our brain is working to accept it and move on. All of those responses can be positive… as long as we do accept the change and respond appropriately. Having a person to vent to is really important, as is having that same, trusted person respond with, “So, what are you going to do about it?”

Often, such a question causes us to change gears mentally. We are thrust into a solution-oriented mode. With that mode comes the necessity to balance many considerations like our values, strategies, political and resources costs, relationship impacts, etc. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave us some insight by suggesting that “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Our hope is realized in our positive response to change. 

Celebrating Your Labor

9/1/17 Celebrating Your Labor

Toil. The Grind. Making a living. Working like a dog. We have so many idioms surrounding work because it’s a huge part of our lives. You come to work every day and spend 8 to 10 hours doing what you do in your chosen profession. Maybe that profession is your “calling,” and maybe it’s just how you pay the bills every month. Either way, I know you put your best into it. You try to be creative in solving problems and use integrity in your decisions. You labor.

You are a laborer. Whether you work with your hands or sit at a desk, you are producing and processing and helping all that goes into making our economy work and making our nation better. When you give it your all, you are making a difference. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote that, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” We certainly uplift in our work. We strive for those who need our support to get to a different plane. Education is the single greatest factor in upward social mobility. We labor for good. 

MLK Day- A Day On

1/16/12 A Day On

Today we celebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday by working for an institution that embodies the very values he gave his life for. Many places are closed in commemoration of MLK’s birthday, but Delta College has always chosen to stay open. Really, I can’t think of any better way to live his Dream except by making a difference for people from all walks of life. All are welcome; all races, religions, sexual orientations, criminal record, income level, country of origin, amount of tattoos, weight/stature, academic background/ability, technology access, the number and gauge of piercings, age and so many other modes of diversity. I’ve always loved the acrostic poem of the word D-I-V-E-R-S-I-T-Y: Different Individuals Valuing Each other Regardless of Skin, Intellect, Talents, or Years. I am also inspired by this quote by Dr. King, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'” Today is a Day On to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. We are On to continue making a difference in the lives of our students, coworkers and community constituents. Thanks for making a difference every day! You really do!