I read the post of a former student today on Facebook. She has taken a challenging course to success and is on a path to doing (extra)ordinary things. I have watch her and many other students mature over the last few years, and, soon going into yet another academic year, it gives me momentum to be better this year.
A comment was made in the post that “It didn’t work out exactly like I planned.” I am sure it did not. Life, thankfully, rarely ever does. I would argue, however, that her life has worked out (is working out) exactly as it should. If life worked out like we plan, we would most certainly miss lessons and opportunities, although they may be hard and sometimes overwhelming, that shape who we are becoming.
As a college professor, I often see dramatic change in my students from the time they arrive on campus to the time they leave. If they so honor me with the opportunity to remain connected post-graduation, I see even greater growth. Rarely, if ever, does the student (or anyone) follow the path they planned. The unwanted challenges and difficulties strengthen the individual as his or her path is revealed before them. They who dare to face the challenges and accept them as opportunities are the ones who become (extra)ordinary.
In her post, the student, who recently completed a Master’s degree in Athletic Training, commented that “I have the tools to help athletes in my same position go further than I did”. This particular statement expresses what I like to refer to as “grattitude” (gratitude + attitude). It expresses a growth in Spiritual maturity and “well-centeredness”. Our Purposes—whatever they might be—are intended to pay our lives forward. When we can recognize this, we become truly (extra)ordinary.
As my former student reflects on her path, it gives me cause to reflect upon my own. It gives me hope and inspiration what tomorrow—and the coming academic year will bring. It strengthens my own grattitude and reminds me that while my life has not work out exactly like I had planned it is, indeed, working out exactly as it should.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!