Everyday I walk along the gravel path from my car, through the azaleas, and up the wooden ramp to the door of this place. And everyday I do that, I think about how grateful I am for this physical house and its surroundings, and also for this opportunity to have employment at Guilford College among a vibrant group of people - students and faculty mostly - who are "playing on the edge" of things slightly beyond their comfort zone a lot of the time.
Sometimes, just giving a co-staff person from the caf a ride from the bus stop to Founders can re-organize your whole perspective. Sometimes, just noticing how beautiful the campus is in spring can do that too. Sometimes, starting your day by praying that you can do something just one thing that contributes to the greater good is a game changer - if you can hold onto it.
I've been thinking a lot about "comfort zones." I've been asking myself if I can find the courage to get out of mine. I wonder, can I take some risks and put ideas out into the wider world of campus that might contribute to positive change? Or, is my safety zone right here in front of the laptop screen, hurriedly answering emails that somehow trick me into thinking I am being productive?
Sometimes, maybe most times, it takes reaching out to someone else on campus or in the world who's willing to talk about new ideas that makes the difference. Having someone to chew on things with, to rally with someone over an idea or a new concept is what shifts things enough for change to begin. Yesterday was one of those days. A good, exploratory lunch conversation with a respected colleague led to a scheduled conversation today with campus leaders that could initiate a truly positive change for the work of campus life, alumni relations, and leadership programs. I feel rejuvenated and excited by the possibilities.
