Not a bad view for an intersection stop light. 

On Friday, we wrapped up the Student Experience People Leader Summit, a very rewarding event that helped me feel connected & at home at WGU. Many people responded generously to my presentation & activity on leading with vulnerability. A good number of us will be traveling to Orlando soon for the Teachers College strategic planning &commencement, & after two nights of dinners, this week, our team is growing closer. Seeing so many invested in the future of our students & university moved me profoundly.

And, so, as I drove home after three days of events, my introverted self begged for silence & relaxation for recharging. A weekend seemed a gift.

Getting closer to Big Cottonwood. 

And now after recharging, I feel fortunate to engage in a selective intellectual think tank, reimagining general education for higher ed at WGU & what could be the United States as a whole. What immediately calms me at home, each morning, is holding my son in my arms, with that sublime chemical release in my brain, you know the one parents get when they cuddle their child. Like sniffing a newborn baby’s head. It’s so strange. My whole body relaxes & puts things into perspective during those moments. Hugs & cuddles are the best.

The striking peaks capped with snow.

Driving home provides me with a moment to reflect, think about the day & analyze my interactions. Some days, I cringe reliving the horrible gaffe of speaking when I should have remained silent, holding back more, conserving energy. This remains my biggest challenge, I think. Keeping quiet & really listening intently. I don’t know how therapists & counselors do it. I’ll be trying different strategies to work on this.

It’s odd. Many people think I’m an extrovert because I’m friendly & I like to contribute to thoughtful discussions. But that’s not the case. My greatest strengths tie to strategic thinking so I like to work out solutions.

The summit ahead. 

And so, as I reflect on the Student Experience People Leader Summit, I think of the summit I see each day as I drive home to Cottonwood Heights. That makes me think of the summit I’ve yet to ascend in discipline & self-control. Each day, if I continue to disrupt my old patterns & bad habits, then maybe I can get a handle on this whole keeping quiet thing. It’s been an issue since I was a child, with my older brothers calling me “Motor mouth.”

We will see.