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.
If you are stuck there, sometimes talking to a coach can help you to get help you work through what is important to you and what you need to take that next step. I believe this time is important, It means your soon be moving ahead. For me, it will be moving ahead to my next adventure; I’m sure.
I will leave you with some GPS humor, I've always loved this Allstate commercial.
Comments