November 22nd, 2009
The Teachable Moments
“Well at least it was a teachable moment, right?”
I first heard the phrase two years ago while working in theatre, my company had a theatre school and every now and then a really challenging situation would present its self. I learned quickly that the art of the teachable moment is taking an every day situation and spinning it into something we can learn from. Teachable moments are inherently scary- they only happen when things come thisclose to spinning out of control, and when someone steps in to reigned them back in & offer their commentary. These are real moments of stepping back to re-group that don’t happen a lot in day to day life.
I think the reason I like the idea so much is specifically because there is someone who is meant to step in. Someone with piercing insight, a reassuring voice and solid logic who calls the chaos to order before noon. These days I would really like to hire an intern to play this role, because lately teachable moments have been rushing past me like a freight train while I’m left disoriented, with no insight into the Larger Implications of what I’m facing, never mind What I Could Be Learning.
I’ve been having one of those months where I don’t have the right words for anyone, not even Mister when he really needs the right words from me. I’m struggling with getting through this first semester of school and even though I’ll be done for a while in two weeks, a huge part of me wants normal life to start now, not in a year from now when I’m done. A part of me is starting to doubt that I’ll find work I’m happy with, and that maybe it’s not my jobs that are the problem. I’m trying not to beat myself up when I want to crash instead of rise to the occasion. I’m trying not be be upset with myself when I’m thinking more about what my next post will be about instead of where I can volunteer my time.
November has been tiring, scary, and full of moments that have given me pause- but the little piece of my heart that usually urges me to step back & re-examine my situation so I can learn from it? That little part seems really focused on where my next glass of wine is coming from and how to have fewer serious conversations.
I know that if I had more energy I would be learning from all these little challenges, but for now I’m ducking my teachable moments in favour of sprinting through this last paper, the next work days, and the next hard conversation. I’m hoping with a little less on my plate I’ll be able to learn from everything that November has tossed at me.
If I can’t do better at any of this right now, maybe in a while I can at least try to learn.
{image: vampire-zombie}
I can totally related to you with the college/work part. I am always wondering if it is all worth it and if I will actually love my job after I am done with everything. I just don’t know but at least I feel better about myself for taking on all the opportunities that have crossed my ways in life and I know you will too. :)
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..The story of my life continues. =-.
i have been the exact same way. i can’t find anything right to say. it’s been the weirdest thing for me. guess it’s part of this funk i’m going through. hope things cheer up for you pretty girl.
.-= missy.´s last blog ..alright world. =-.
Aww honey you get a big hug. Don’t second guess or worry just yet. Enjoy this time now because the post-school world will come up soon enough. Do the best you can.
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Operation Thanksgiving dessert =-.
Yep – definitely had similar feelings when I was in grad school. when I was about 1/2 ways through I started wondering if I should even be getting my masters. But I was so far in, I felt like it was too late to reverse my course. Luckily it all worked out for me, but there were definitely many nights where I tossed and turned and wondered if I was doing the right thing. And I struggled to find motivation during those phases, which sucks because those phases always seemed to hit at the busiest time of the semester.
Hang in there. You will get through this!!
.-= Lisa from Lisa’s Yarns´s last blog ..Giving Thanks: Day 7 =-.
At least your teachable moments don’t include eye rolls and screaming….I seem to only learn things when my supervisor reams me out for something.
Sigh.
You’ll get through the schooling, school as a twenty-something is much more challenging than a 19 year old. Especially because we tend to take courses that are career oriented. Learning economics was way less interesting than my Early American Lit course.
:-)
Sending you thoughts of chocolate chip cookies and puppy kisses!
I too am finding myself in the same boat! I call it the “SS 24 Sucks.” We shall discuss further over wine once you get here!
.-= Rugged Fox´s last blog ..let’s get it on =-.
I too am finding myself in the same boat! I call it the “SS 24 Sucks.” We shall discuss further over wine once you get here!
Don’t beat yourself up, too much. I’m finding myself in the same boat. I work as a supervisor in retail full time, on top of attending school full time- and by the end of the day? I’m exhausted. I want wine, some cuddling, and some falling asleep early. I often find myself thinking of giving something up for the sake of having more time to myself, but ultimately realize that it isn’t worth it because I know that I’ll be proud when I’ve accomplished what I need to. & I’m sure it’s the same for you.
Finish up the semester and enjoy your winter break- it’s the tiny little reward that makes working so hard worth while :)
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Project Simplify: The Bedroom =-.
Even if you can’t see it right now because you’re right in the middle of it, I have a fairly good feeling that what you’re experiencing now is more than one of those Teachable Moments, and that you’ll come out on the other side broadsided by the growth you experienced going through a little fire.
.-= Doniree´s last blog ..Yoga and Body Image =-.
This sounds a bit like how I was feeling in September and October – every day just seemed like an endurance test, and flopping on the sofa with a glass of wine seemed like the only good part of the day. Then…things just changed. Not so much my situation, but something in my head, and I started to make some decisions.
I get the work thing too – one reason why I’m working towards being selfemployed is that I’m not sure if the world of work in other people’s organisations is ever going to suit me.
.-= Jane´s last blog ..Doorways: Into Qingdao =-.
You and me both, kid. I’m so tired of having to think all adult-like and serious lately. I just want to get lost in the whimsy of life, a trip, a book. I find moments of bliss here and there but some times it’s all too much.
On the flip side, I am applauding you for making it through your first semester back at college as a married and working woman, no less while also managing to be there for everyone in your life. It’s no easy feat but I knew you could do it.
.-= Nora´s last blog ..The Business =-.
i seriously understand how exhausting and frustrating college can be to someone that is not 19 any more. it’s frustrating and dragging and shool isn’t your only responsibility. i made it through one semester last year and that was all i could do because i was so exhausted after working and all of my other responsibilities. i have ONE semester left to get my BA and i just can’t do it. maybe someday.
I know a lot of people have jobs that they love, but I think it may not be possible for everyone. I am coming to terms with the fact that as long as I remaing in m y field I’ll most likely always hate my job a little, but for the time being that is a sacrifice that I’m willing to make to support my family.
And I think that’s ok. I’m not sure every step we take has to be meaningful. Sometimes it can just be a step in the right direction.
.-= The Maiden Metallurgist´s last blog ..Yeah, Yeah, Yeah =-.
Sometimes the only thing you go do is put your head down and plow right through it all. There will be plenty of time later to review, reflect and learn from the month. You have a lot on your plate at the moment, Kyla, and you take a lot of time for other people. Take December to focus on you and Mister. I hope you find the right words at the right time. I think at some point in the year for everyone, they just go into survival mode then come out on the other side with a clearer understanding.
.-= mandy´s last blog ..Book Giveaway Winner =-.
babe, are you KIDDING ME? I think that I learn, on average, from the teachable moments approximately 6-8 months after they actually conclude. Usually in the summer. When I have time to sit, and think about the shit and the fan. *hug* Give it time. Teachable moments happen to everyone. Being a person who reflects upon them, recognizes them, and knows that eventually (maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow) that you’ll learn from them? That, that’s priceless. xo
.-= andrea´s last blog ..Hair She Is. =-.
i think that it is ok to feel like this sometimes. it doesn’t mean you’re in any way failing at life…it will work it’s course and you’ll be better than new soon. this kind of reminds me of “the only constant thing in life is change”… :)
.-= Krystal´s last blog ..hope II =-.
I know how draining college classes can be. I’m sure this won’t go on for too long. You’re such an amazing person & always have wonderful things to say!
.-= steph anne´s last blog ..I’m Pumped for Christmas! =-.
I know exactly how you feel. It’s why I have six (well, now four) bottles of wine in my dorm room right now. It’s why I can’t even begin to think about the fact that I will have less than two weeks to do my Christmas shopping (I shouldn’t even have that, with papers due during that time).
It feels like I’m doing nothing and everything all at the same time. I’m taking it all in, but not getting nearly enough done.
A thesis is becoming an appealing option merely because it means four less classes — and being done class in a year.
I find the end of the year is always a little draining. Pull through and start fresh. I believe in you Kyla. If you need encouragement, or to commiserate, feel free to email (or gchat). :)
.-= Elle Bee´s last blog ..Castles and gardens and peacocks, oh my! =-.
This post makes me wish we could have some chocolate chip pancakes and tea and talk and sort everything out. I think that sometimes we have to go at everything, fingernails dug in, and just barely hanging on. And sometimes, in that, there is a lesson—that you can do it, that you are strong, and that sometimes, you really can do it, messy and crazy and all. Be gentle with yourself, and yes, later, when you have time to breathe, you can examine what this time means. I know that when life was rough a few years ago, I spent a lot of time simply surviving, and later, when I could pay the bills and breathe and make it a full day without crying, I was able to figure out and see just how much I’d learned.
All this to say: good thoughts and lots of love, friend. I’m a G-chat away if you need to talk.
.-= Amy — Just A Titch´s last blog ..Thankful, part 3 =-.
I know what that’s like. I felt that way through the entirety of the six months that I was unemployed. The real teachable moment in all that is two-fold:
-Ignoring the chaos incrementally doesn’t make it go away incrementally. It snowballs until you’re buried in it.
-The things you’re telling yourself that you can’t do right now, like finish something important or have that scary talk, are not as difficult as they seem, and you will feel ten times better after they are over.
I hope things work out for the best. You deserve nothing less!
.-= Miss Dallas´s last blog ..Having said that… =-.