Week 4 Blog #4: It's Just My Destiny!

It's Just My Destiny!

I do not agree with the chapter entitled "Being The Board" written by Roz and Ben Zander. In this chapter, they claim that the idea of being the board is the idea of claiming that "we are responsible for everything that happens in our lives." I disagree with this statement in that there are things that are out of our control. Yes, life is a risk, but that does not make us responsible or liable for things that happen to us that are out of our control.

I believe in destiny, fate, and God. I believe that our life is pre-planned, and I do not believe that we are responsible for everything that happens to us. We are not at fault for every bad thing that happens to us, and in turn, do not need to evaluate and improve upon ourselves when we did nothing wrong. This is being hard on yourself, and taking blame where there is none to be taken. To me, this sounds like the thinking of a anal, over-bearing critical person who is lacking in self-confidence, and is so much of a perfectionist that they look for things to try and fix that are not even within their control.

Week 4 Blog #3:

I Follow My Gut...

My instructor, Joe Bustillos started a summer job at a phone company, and ended up working there for 15 years. Now, the difference between Joe and the other workers was that Joe was not a "lifer." All of the employees were content working there for the rest of their lives. However, Joe wanted more for himself.

I relate to Joe, and I was actually surprised when I read the blip that he wrote about not being a lifer. I wrote a previous blog that reminded me of what Joe wrote. I didn't realize that there were many people how there who thought exactly the way I did, until the other day when I read Joe's blip. In my previous blog I expressed that fact that I knew I did not want to stay at the same job that I am at now, but I wasn't sure how to explain why I didn't. However, Joe's term "lifer" seems to help me explain it better. I am definitely not a lifer, at least not if I can help it. I am a teacher, and I am surrounded by people who plan on working as a teacher in the same position at the same school for the rest of their lives. However, that is just not me. I know in my heart and in my gut, that I will not be doing that. After reading Joe's blip about his life's work, I realized that we have something in common! While we may not be able to control every bit of our lives, and summer jobs may sometimes last longer than we planned, there is still the fire within us that will get us where we want to be. Life may throw us curve balls, but eventually we will end up exactly where we are supposed to be!

Week 4 Blog #2: Response to John's Video Blog

John Brockenberry wrote the following blog:

Week 4: Waiting-A Lost Art.

This is a video I put together that captures the essence of life in its honest and pure truth. The element of patience and waiting has been an integral part of my life and has yielded benefits. These are my reflections of how I have learned this skill along the course of my life. As with much of what the Art of Possibility is saying, nothing comes easy or instantly-not in ourselves or others. Hope you enjoy this!

Michele Rambo // March 1, 2010 at 3:59 am | Reply

My Comment:

Wow! What a great video! I was inspired to comment on this blog because I feel like I am always waiting in my life for things to start happening. I keep telling myself, that it is just not the right time. Everything happens for a reason, and when they are supposed to.

While watching your video I realized how much we do wait in life. If I had to guess, I would estimate that probably one quarter of our lives are spend waiting. It was an excellent video, and you definitely have a talent for the art! Thanks for sharing it!

You can view John Brockenberry's blog @http://totalteaching.wordpress.com

Week 4 Blog #1: Media Project Url

My Media Project Url:

Visit http://www.myspace.com/fmcougars

to view my media project entitled "Cougars At The Fort!" My thesis was on the use of social networks in the classroom to increase student participation. For my media project I used MySpace to create a social network page that could be used as an extension of the classroom. Here on this site, students could collaborate and discuss homework assignments, work together on projects, and study together for quizzes, tests, and such. Also listed on this site is a class calendar, and a link for blogging and discussions. I plan on uploading a welcome video before it is time to present this to the board.

Week 3 Blog #4: Response to Heather's Blog

Heather Eaton wrote the following blog:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~Marianne Williamson

These words are very powerful. This quote has great meaning to me in a time where I see a family member going through recovery to regain her fears and inadequacies. The struggles we face as human beings begin to over take our every thought, action, and movement. In order to create our framework of possibility we must move forward to change our perspective. The downward spiral that overcomes us all on a daily basis can cause defeat. This is when we must pick ourselves up by our bootstraps and charge on.

Everyday I see countless numbers of students being overtaken with the perspective of defeat. They come from broken homes, gang infested neighborhoods, peer pressure, poverty, teen pregnancy, and so many other perils. This becomes disheartening. Just like Martian Luther King finding a way to awaken their underlying desire becomes more and more difficult. As teachers, we are now asked to not only teach the three R’s but also offer assistance in counseling, friendship, parenting, etc. This takes a toll on all involved.

I am so very passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, although I feel so stuck in quicksand as I watch the lives of students be overtaken with pessimism and apathy. How can we regain control in a world so lost? We must reignite the fire that shows students their dreams do make a difference and if they can dream it they can live it. The chapters throughout The Art of Possibility have definitely given me a new hope in the dismal situations that I face on a daily basis. I want to empower my students to live life to the fullest and to embrace each day as if it were the last.

Pictures from personal Library of Heather Eaton

Zander, R. & Zander, B. (2000). The art of possibility: Transforming personal and

professional life. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.

Week 3 Blog #3: Paying It Forward!

Paying it Forward!

What are you doing to lend a helping hand? Oftentimes in our lives we come to a stand still, a time in our lives when we cannot do something without the kindness and help of others. This is when paying it forward really helps!

Throughout our lives we will sometimes experience down falls that are out of our control. A flat tire, locking your keys in your car, or forgetting your wallet at home...all times when we might need the assistance of others. Whether it be to borrow someone's cell phone to call a locksmith, or to borrow five bucks for a meal, these are times when we should follow the rule of "paying it forward."

Sometimes something as simple as asking for what you want can get you the exact help you are looking for. As I read through chapter 7 in the book "Art of Possibility," I learned that sometimes in order to persuade somebody to help others without agenda, you need to get their interest, or "light a spark" so to speak. And, as Ben Zander's father (Walter) said, "Some things are better done in person!" Sometimes, if there is something you need or want, it is better to just march right up to the person and ask. Oftentimes, the answer will be yes, and the worst they can say is no.

Then, the most important thing to remember after someone has helped you is to "Treat others the way you would want to be treated," and pay forward that kindness. If we all 'payed it forward' can imagine what a great world this would be to live in!

Week 3 Blog #2: My Passion!

My Passion!

My passion and interests in life revolve around houses. I love everything to do with houses. I love the floors, the paint, the cabinetry, the lighting fixtures, and every other item dealing with decor. I look at houses on realtor.com for fun. I enjoy going to Home Depot and Lowe's just to look at the faux kitchens, and the tile flooring

samples. When I was younger, I used to want to be an interior designer. Because I never went to college for interior design, I decided to do the next best thing, which was to work for a construction company as a new home sales representative. I worked there for a while, and then eventually left because the pay was terrible, and I always had to work on the weekends, which meant I was missing out on a lot. However, I loved showing homes, so that prompted me to get my real estate license. I eventually got a job working for a local real estate company. Although, the pay was not steady, so I ended up going into a different field of work.

I still love houses and everything to do with them. I still go to Home Depot for fun, and I still plan for the home I am going to build someday. So, what's your passion?