“Connection is why we’re here. It’s what gives purpose and meaning in our lives.” Brené Brown said in her Ted Talk “The Power of Vulnerability.” I have listened to this same Ted Talk multiple times. If you haven’t yet experienced it, I genuinely recommend taking some time to do so. After you listen, you may have a greater sense of courage than you had moments before, embrace your imperfections, treat yourself more kindly, allow yourself to be seen, and love and lead more wholeheartedly.

I write about my journey often because the trajectory of my career has placed me in positions to reflect on the human being and educator I was, who I am, and who I am continuously striving to be. It is clear to me that the connections I have made over the course of time have led me to destinations that were unforeseen. I am grateful to those who recognize my gifts, helping me forge new paths towards new experiences and the people I am destined to know.

Upon returning from the holiday break, I found myself deeply immersed in work, caught up in a rush to check off tasks from my to-do list. It felt as though I was operating on autopilot, driven by the urgency to complete these tasks so I could move on to what felt more significant—engaging with my colleagues, children, and the community I serve. However, upon finishing those items on my list, I couldn’t quite grasp how it happened because I wasn’t fully present in those moments. It was like being on autopilot. Have you ever commuted to work and arrived without realizing how you got there, the familiar journey passing by unnoticed? That’s exactly what it felt like. I must admit, I find it unsettling because it leaves me feeling disconnected from the true meaning behind my actions.

Then came the disruptors that pulled me out of the ‘to-do’ list abyss—an unexpected phone call, a sudden text message, or the ping of an email. I’ve come to appreciate these daily interruptions; they often alter the course of my day in better ways. Just today, an email arrived from a former student teacher who shared a classroom with me fifteen years ago. In their message, they expressed the following, “Hi Lauren, I know that it has been a long time since you’ve heard from me. I thought I should write to you to let you know that I have been reading your writing for some time now. I don’t know why I did not reach out sooner to tell you. I just want to thank you for connecting with me when I was in your classroom. The connection I had with you made me realize that I needed to let go of the educator I thought I needed to be and just embrace the educator I am meant to be. That is why I am pursuing leadership. I am ready to broaden my influence and expand my impact. Thank you for your mentorship and inspiration.”

Her heartfelt sentiments arrived at the perfect time, prompting me to reflect and pause. Was there always a leader living inside me harnessing the coaching mindset I wholeheartedly embrace as a leader today? It’s remarkable—during my time as her cooperating teacher, the notion of my future role as an administrator never crossed my mind. This unexpected interaction sparked a flood of memories from my past educational experiences, serving as an important reminder of life’s unexpected twists and turns. Adam Grant’s wisdom in Hidden Potential resonates with me deeply—”Gaining momentum often involves backing up and navigating down a different road, even if it’s not the one you initially intended to travel.”

I have come to recognize that the perfect path does not exist. Your exact journey has not been carved out for you just yet. That is why it can be difficult to see the road ahead. As Grant says, “A digression doesn’t have to be a diversion. It can be a source of energy.” Use that energy to create your own path forward. You will find your way as you go…all it takes is one step at a time. You never know what connections will resonate and give others more purpose and meaning in their lives. Let go of who you think you should be and be who you are. Your path awaits.

Actionable Items to Implement Tomorrow Mindful Engagement: -Start each day with a moment of mindfulness to focus on genuine interactions. -Allocate uninterrupted time slots for meaningful connections with colleagues and students. Reflective Writing: -Encourage reflection through writing about impactful interactions. -Foster an open feedback culture for shared learning and growth. Embrace Authenticity: -Facilitate discussions on embracing authenticity in teaching or leadership styles. -Provide coaching and mentorship for educators to explore new roles or expand their impact.