Yesterday I smiled at yet another comic in the paper. I think we all know people who tell stories that can go on forever. I know I do. I've been accused myself of doing the same, and I think, "Really? I do that?" I'm guessing if I think that, many other guilty people do the same.
It's one of many traits I'm trying to work on: either being more succinct, or frankly, going on the premise that most people want to be the talker rather than the listener. Putting those two together is my goal. Make my point/story in a short humorous (or serious) way and then cede the floor. Tough to do spur of the moment though I believe I'm getting better at it.
Flipping from fun, today on my A.Word.A.Day site, there came this quote
There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you. ~ Maya Angelou
Too close to home for me, I gave myself a thoughtful moment. It reminded me of last week when I decided to keep "an untold story." Contemplating the words, I respectfully agreed, and disagreed. I knew then and then had it proven this week, that some stories are better kept to oneself or at least to the people who were involved.
Stories often times become entertainment, and some just aren't that. Being a teacher for 33 years and a sub for 11, I've gone to sharing little of my work life. It's just too easy for most people to have an opinion, have a memory, and then have the solution. Let's face it; we all have been students and then most have become parents. It's just way too difficult to take the past and the personal out of education.
And yet, for good teachers, life isn't about the past. We're dealing with young people, not what happened 40 years ago, or ten years or sometimes even last week. Educators have to start each day with a good dose of "Today is a new day," or they should if they want to reach and teach the students in front of them.
Angelou, an incredible writer, used her ability to entertain and to work to change the world. I understand that. Often times, though, for most of us, it's hard to rise to her heights. Sometimes it's best not to even try.
Told
