Reading4Reflection - Stuck in the Trenches?

[Carla Arena]

I've just read this wonderful, short post by Cris Brogan, and he starts by saying that it's much easier to do the things in ways we're used to and not changing anything. He moves on by stating the need for different perspectives. He calls the attention for the need to change, for in life nothing is permanent.

He finishes with this question:

Stuck in the Trenches | chrisbrogan.com via kwout

I'll move back to Brazil, rethink how I've been doing things, see new ways. I'm ready for change and looking forward new challenges.

How about you? How will you keep daring in 2009, or maybe next week?

[Gilmar D. da Silva Mattos]

Very interesting indeed.We have talked about it before and for me it's a matter of moving ahead. I have been trying to share this enthusiasm with my colleagues, friends, family. There is no way back. We keep saying we want new, better results but if we, at same time, keep doing the same old stuff for the past 20 years or so it seems we are not getting much, right? I, for one, feel really inspired and eager tolearn more and more. Most importantly, I feel this urge to share - and this is quite a change in my personal life. On teh one hand this discussion here could soundlike those "New Year's resolutions". The difference is, IMHO, that this is definitely part of our lives now and shall be the same for the years to come. Reminds me of a song, of course (lol) and I'll find a way to post it here. Wonderful to feel this great energy around.

[Carla Arena]

Dear Gilmar,

You're right. It's more than New Year's resolution. Of course we tend to rethink things at the end of a cycle, and, generally, the end of the year is what we'd consider a cycle. You're right. It's now and many years to come! One interesting article I read some time ago is that instead of making a list of New Year's resolution, those ones with "I want to lose weight", "I want to buy a new car", "I need to be happier". We should dream the impossible. Really. Something that it doesn't seem unattainable. The article says that if you do this kind of exercise, you can project this to your mind and turn into concrete changes in your life. Maybe this is a good time to do that. I'm already dreaming!

Gilmar D. da Silva Mattos said:

There is no way back. We keep saying we want new, better results but if we, at same time, keep doing the same old stuff for the past 20 years or so it seems we are not getting much, right? I, for one, feel really inspired and eager tolearn more and more. Most importantly, I feel this urge to share - and this is quite a change in my personal life. On teh one hand this discussion here could soundlike those "New Year's resolutions". The difference is, IMHO, that this is definitely part of our lives now and shall be the same for the years to come.

[Maria Claudia Pires Gonçalves]

'Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.'
(The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost)

I'm challenging my students right now to take the "less traveled road" with me. I want them to realize how much we can learn together. I want them to take that little step ahead and picture a classroom without boundaries.

[Carla Arena]

Dear Maria Cláudia,

I'm sure you'll make all the difference together. Wow. Thanks for reminding me to get back to Robert Frost. I really enjoy his poetry and this one is so appropriate to what we're discussing here. I also chose to take the road less traveled, and I don't regret for a second. Never have I learned so much...

Thanks for being here with us and keep inspiring us with your wise words.

Maria Claudia Pires Gonçalves said:

'Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.'
(The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost)

I'm challenging my students right now to take the "less traveled road" with me. I want them to realize how much we can learn together. I want them to take that little step ahead and picture a classroom without boundaries.

[Cecilia Carneiro]

Carla Arena said:

Dear Maria Cláudia,

I'm sure you'll make all the difference together. Wow. Thanks for reminding me to get back to Robert Frost. I really enjoy his poetry and this one is so appropriate to what we're discussing here. I also chose to take the road less traveled, and I don't regret for a second. Never have I learned so much...

Thanks for being here with us and keep inspiring us with your wise words.

Maria Claudia Pires Gonçalves said:

'Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.'
(The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost)

I'm challenging my students right now to take the "less traveled road" with me. I want them to realize how much we can learn together. I want them to take that little step ahead and picture a classroom without boundaries.

[Cecilia Carneiro]

Dear Carla, Gilmar and Maria Claudia
I have an enoumous difficulty to change, and exactly because of this, I've decideded some years ago that to change would be my eternal challenge. Of course I succeed sometimes, and sometimes I' don't but I'm always on the watch because for me is much easiear to say to myself that everything is ok and that I don't need to change a thing. How great when I see myself doing something in a different way, but it takes time, and I've learnt to respect my pace.
Yes, Maria Claudia to take the less travelled road makes all the difference.
Carla I don't know how I'll keep daring in 2009, but if I keep daring, it'll already make a difference for me. This will mean that I won't be stuck in the trenches, I'll be looking into the future. This is the most important thing for me, I've learn that when I don't change I keep held by the past.

[Carla Arena]

Dear Cecilia,

I think you've dared tons in our online session, and I'm sure you'll find ways to challenge yourself next year. Just keep going, don't be afraid to dare and change. We're here to give support to each other! I can say that I only started really taking more risks when I found a group of educators who were willing to give me full support along the way.

So, let us all have an exciting risky 2009!

Cecilia Carneiro said:

Carla I don't know how I'll keep daring in 2009, but if I keep daring, it'll already make a difference for me. This will mean that I won't be stuck in the trenches, I'll be looking into the future. This is the most important thing for me, I've learn that when I don't change I keep held by the past.