Metamorphosis

"Change is the end result of all true learning. Change involves three things: First, a dissatisfaction with self -- a felt void or need; second, a decision to change to fill the void or need; and third, a conscious dedication to the process of growth and change -- the willful act of making the change, doing something." -Leo Buscaglia

As many bloggers post their end-of-the-year reflections and resolutions, my thoughts have been increasingly occupied with personal goals and aspirations.

My global colleagues have not shied away from asking difficult questions or advocating for change.

Clay Burell wondered "is school a good place for teachers who want to make a difference in the lives of their students, and to the future of the world?"

Sylvia Martinez stepped up to defend the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative from a journalist who sneeringly called the program "an insulting 'let them eat cake' sort of message to the world’s poor.” On the contrary, Martinez replies, "The least the “developed world” can do is give kids, their parents, and teachers access to the most powerful intellectual amplifier ever invented - the computer, and a connection to the world of information and expertise."

Doug Johnson discussed the necessity of "both an open mind and values firmly held by both the heart and the head" to achieve change in the educational sphere.

And so the questions I need to answer for myself are:

• what are my sources of dissatisfaction
• am I willing to take the steps necessary to address the problems
• how will I implement meaningful change

No easy questions, no easy answers: challenges and opportunities.

"Instead of looking at life as a narrowing funnel, we can see it ever widening to choose the things we want to do, to take the wisdom we've learned and create something." -Liz Carpenter

"There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them." -Denis Waitley


"Golden metamorphosis" by cyrus_sj