As an educator, I stopped now and then to write down my job description. It was important to me to give shape to my efforts. Now, no longer a teacher, I also have the need to create a job description because no matter who you are or what you do, it's important to give life shape, the kind of shape that promotes the best of who we are and what we do.
So today I'm writing a job description for my life today.
Mom
My children are adults, but I'm still a mom and as a mom I want to be there for my children to support their best possible lives. To me, as a mom of young adults, these are the ways I want to help.
- Encourage their good studies and work--studies and work that are ethical, purposeful, and positive.
- Encourage patterns of healthy living -- good food, positive activity, rest, positive relationships
- Foster family get togethers and care for one another
- Provide a welcoming home they can return to for celebrations and simply to relax and be loved
Partner
I like the term "partner" better than wife because for too long the word "wife" has inferred servitude= while partner infers a commitment to one another. As a partner, my role is to couple with my husband in ways that foster our best lives in positive, happy, helpful, loving ways.
Neighbor
Our neighbors rely on one another and I want to be there to support my neighbors when I can. I also want to respect the neighbors' privacy.
Extended Family Member
I have a very large extended family that has supported each other in countless ways over the years. I want to continue to foster that extended family support and closeness via our family history page, family history study, and our yearly reunions.
Gardener
I love the health, joy, and beauty gardening brings to our family. I'll continue this pursuit in ways that brings us healthy foods and beautiful flowers for gifts and to brighten our home.
Cook
I love to cook and I'll continue to work at bettering my craft in ways that bring family and friends warmth and cheer.
Writer
I love to contemplate life's questions, quandaries, events, and potential. I'm not sure where all this writing is taking me, but I'll continue the path since it's such a natural and beloved path for me.
Political Advocate
In the depths of me I believe that the world's people can continually do a better job at collaborating around the potential we hold to enrich and uplift all lives. I believe that equation is possible, and I want to support political leaders who hold that vision and work for it in creative, humane, positive, collaborative and loving ways. I want to work against political leaders who are evil, greedy, bigoted, narrow-minded, hateful, hurtful, and deadly.
Educator
I continue to believe in the great power that education holds for our individual and collective good living. I may, in time, return to a more formal educator role, but for now my commitment to the family is my first priority, a priority that takes considerable time now.