Reality, for any one individual, is defined by that individual's perception. Therefore, everyone's individual reality will be slightly different based upon the viewpoint he or she has, which is determined by the accumulation of experiences we call life. Life is a different experience for each of us, and, for each individual reality is constantly changing and evolving based on the experiences we have at any given moment.
If I haven't lost you yet, please stay with me...
My point is that life is a work in progress. As people, we are very goal oriented. We tend to want to set goals and work to achieve them. However, imagine if you went through life just trying to reach the end. Consider everything you would miss out on along the way. In life, it's the little things that matter. The people you meet, the unexpected friendships, the tough struggles and the small victories. It is the loss of a loved one and, it is the comfort found in the beauty of nature. It is sharing spontaneous laughter with a group of friends, or maybe even complete strangers. It is all this and more! In life, it comes very natural to appreciate the work in progress...that is all we can do until our time on Earth is up. Then it is up to others to carry our legacy in their memories and in the stories they tell.
Why is it then, that in many project based settings, we tend to be afraid to show our work in progress? I think for many of us, it goes back to the old saying "You never get a second chance to make a first impression". As a Band Director, I often feel the pressure of performance. And many times my band and I are thrust into a position where we must perform whether we are ready to or not. I know that I personally want to make the absolute best first impression possible, but sometimes you just have to take the leap and say "it is what it is today - a work in progress" The best way to make that great first impression is to do what you know, the best you can, and hold your head high in the process. Appreciate the journey, because, just as in life, the end always comes too abruptly to truly enjoy.
For students and educators involved in Globaloria, it is important for us to remember the work in progress philosophy. Our journey will be filled with excitement. We will have frustrating struggles and taste tid-bits of success, we will make friends, and sometimes find ourselves in fierce competition. We will share "ah-ha" moments after being baffled over a seemingly unsolvable problem.
As we take this journey, all of us should be encouraged to cherish these moments. Celebrate the small victories. Share them with others in our school and extended communities through posts on the wikis. Reflect on them and savor them by posting on our blogs and commenting on our peers' and colleagues' blogs. Enjoy this adventure we will share together....In the end it will be over all to quickly.
