Today is August 13, 2018 – Day 13 No Regrets Challenge (see August 13, 2018 on my Facebook page for video).
For me this marks another day of reflection. Five years ago today my mother died. I’m sorry to keep sharing these solemn anniversaries with your so close together, but that was the one-two punch I got. Daddy died on August 11 and Mommy died on August 13, three years later.
Parents make us. They also help mold us into who we become, for better or worse. Both of my parents gave me strength, determination, and resilience. But I think my mom gave me a spirit of exploration, to desire to do things differently from others. This trait was latent in me, I think for much of my adult life, but now, ironically after my mom’s passing I feel freer to be that free spirit.
In the early seventies my mom was a pioneer in education. She was one of the very first teachers in the Mentally Gifted Program in the Philadelphia School District, back then it was called the Academically Talented Program. She loved the challenge of working with elementary school children who were smarter than she was. She didn’t feel threatened by them, rather she felt challenged by them. I guess that’s where I get my love of a good challenge.
Anyway, one of the activities she used with her students was “Decisions”. She would pose a closed ended question to her students that required them to really think, write their answer to the question on the flip chart, and then in a round robin defend their decisions. Her decision questions were often pulled from the headlines. I remember one of the decisions was should Karen Ann Quinlan, a woman who had lapsed into a coma and was pronounced brain dead, be taken off of life support. Yes or No? and Why?
So, in memory of my mom, I think I’m going to give you a decision question to answer. Which is MORE IMPORTANT to achieving success in your life, following your plan or following your intuition? And Why do you believe that to be the case? Please comment below. It will be interesting to see what you all say.
That is all for today. See you again tomorrow.
Patricia Brooks is a life experiences coach, speaker, and the author of Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life you Live. She is the host of the Discovering Courage Podcast where each week she explores how ordinary people have managed to live extraordinary lives. Patricia is currently living in France, pursuing her dreams.