Become a Student of Something

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

This morning I am attending the Virtual VT School Counselors Conference, so I may keep this brief, but I did have a topic in mind for a while which I haven't posted about, so I'll try to squeeze in some thoughts while I participate in my meeting.  

As you all know, if you read my blog regularly, I love to watch new and exciting things on TV.  About a month ago, my husband and kids and I sat down to watch, My Octopus Teacher on Netflix and it was one of the best things I have seen in a long time.  It was different for sure, but it had so much to offer - profound moments, beautiful ideas, and inspiration to make one ponder.   

If you have not watched it yet, check out the trailer...

One of the biggest things that I took from this documentary was the determination and dedication of the filmmaker to his endeavor in the ocean.  The name of the film, My Octopus Teacher, is very apt because he truly becomes a student of the ocean and of the nature around him.  It's really beautiful to see him interacting in such an animalistic way where he simply becomes part of the environment around him.  He doesn't interfere, he simply connects.

Not everyone has the opportunity to take such a deep dive (no pun intended) into their greatest passion, but what a great reminder that when you have something that really lights your fire, you should go for it with your whole heart!  In doing so, the filmmaker, Craig Foster, learns as much about himself as he does about the nature around him.  I was inspired by his opportunity to become so self-aware and connected to his cause.  

I often ask kids in my office to share something about themselves or to describe themselves, or to express something about their life or circumstance that makes them proud, happy, or inspired...sometimes kids can come up with ideas but often times teens and tweens default to, "I don't know."  Well, I am here to say that you need to know!  Spend time each day, each week, each month, and each year figuring out who you are, what you love, and what you stand for.  When you can identify what makes you, you, you'll have an easier time connecting and interacting with others.  You'll find your people.  You'll be able to express yourself in conversation.  You'll be able to stand up for yourself when you've been wronged.  You'll feel confident supporting and cheering on others.  And you'll be socially attractive to others.  

Now, all this comes with growth and maturity and brain development, and the things that make you, you now, may not be the things that make you, you later, but you will have added to your knowledge base both about the world and about yourself.  So don't be afraid to dive deep and become a student of what you love!  

I highly recommend you give this documentary a watch if you haven't done so already!

I hope you have a great day everyone!