Give and Take...and Give Some More
"'Good teachers borrow from each other -- great teachers steal'...Our colleague who somewhat facetiously advocates for 'stealing' over 'borrowing' is suggesting that the first thing we need to focus on is exchanging ideas, not just things. More importantly, she is suggesting that we cannot truly get better just by 'borrowing'...Instead, we need to 'steal' that idea and make it our own. We have been given a gift from that colleague...We honor this person not by taking what she has to share and using it exactly as designed, but by taking it, using it, strengthening it, and sharing it anew with others. We do not simply borrow; we own it for ourselves and add to it before giving it back again" (52-53).This idea makes my creative mind burst with energy. I love finding great things and making them my own, and Twitter and Pinterest are such powerful platforms for doing that. I am encouraged to contribute my things to this great network of collaborators. Now, as in every part of my life, is where the big "D" word comes into play. Discipline. This is my word for the year. I am reminded often of the value of discipline and look forward (oh how I look forward) to the fruits that will come as a result.
