cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by stefo
At the end of the school year, I spent a lot of time making sure that I tied up all the loose ends at one position, ensuring that everything was set up for my new role, followed by conferences in Philadelphia and Niagara Falls. Tie all of that into purchasing and moving into my first house, the truth of the matter is that I was spent. Instead of continuously writing and reflecting in my blog, tweeting, reading, I chose to take some time away from connecting online (not a total removal though), and just spent time with my dogs, my family, my friends, finding some awesome new music, trying new things, and catching up on some movies (watch “500 Days of Summer“). I purposely decided not to go anywhere and took the “Al Bundy” vacation, where I just sat on my couch (coupled by many hours reading at Starbucks). I have never been the type to just not do anything; I get too bored. That being said, I needed a break. Heck, I am even trying yoga tomorrow for the first time. #weird
With that being said, the reason I did not take a 100% break from social networking is that in the last two years some of my best friends I have met in that space. With my lessened participation, I truly realized how close I had become with some people all over the world as they would continuously check up on me to see how I was doing and were curious just about my overall well being. It is great to know how meaningful relationships become even if they are started in an online space. I already knew this though as I remember distinctly how so many “strangers” reached out to me approximately a year ago when my first dog Kobe had passed away, but it was just validated over the summer. As much as that was probably one of the toughest days of my life, the idea of how many strangers reached out, cared for and checked on me, was both overwhelming and amazing. I could not thank people enough for their kindness at that time.
Jonathan Martin also recently shared some insights on the book, “Reality is Broken“, and shares a quote about the impact of strangers on our lives:
Researchers have shown that sharing the same space for even just a few minutes a day with kind and friendly strangers makes us more optimistic, improves our self esteem, makes us feel safer and more connected to our environments, and generally helps us enjoy our lives more. And if we return the favor, we benefit as well: when we give to others, or act cooperatively, the reward centers of the brain light up.
As much as I can thank the strangers in the twittersphere, it is amazing how the space has strengthened my relationships with people that I have known for years. My brother Alec and I have become a lot closer in the last couple of years not only because we connect a lot in the same online spaces, but also due to the fact that I am able to see his life and his family grow. Being so far away, and being an uncle that loves his nephews and nieces, it is amazing that Alec is willing to share their lives in a way where I can see them grow and learn. It is the sharing and growth that I see in his kids in those spaces that shows the strengths and power of things such as electronic portfolios in the learning process.
cc licensed ( BY NC SD ) flickr photo shared by courosa
One of the articles that I read which I found extremely interesting was, “If Twitter was so good, why do so many teachers leave it?“, I asked out loud on Twitter, do people agree with the blog post. One tweet (that I am unable to find) that resonated with me is that, “many do not participate on Twitter because they do not connect with anyone in a meaningful way. Even in that online space, it is all about relationships”. I thought about how that pertained to what I felt and how true that statement was. It also made me realize the importance of relationships being a two way street, and that we have to give as much as we get if we want them to be meaningful, online and offline. They also make things better.
So in the end, my short intermittent Twitter sabbatical reminded me of the importance of not only checking in with myself, but checking in with those people that matter most to me. It wasn’t that I just cut everything off, quit blogging, tweeting, reading, or anything. I just did it less. So many teachers talk about all of the PD that they do over the summer, but sometimes the best professional development in any profession is simply taking a step out and away from what you are doing, and reflecting on why we love our careers (or sometimes why we need to make a change) and checking into ourselves. Sometimes learning is not social and sometimes it is not about what you read, write, or do. It is just sitting back and checking in on what is important. Funny thing is that by kind of checking out of the field of education, I have never been so ready to check back in.
P.S. This is one of my songs that I fell in love with this summer; just thought I would share:
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George- I finally took a break this summer as well. I still checked in from time to time, but I cut way back. It felt so good to take time for not only my family but for myself as well. It's so important to remember that in order to stay at the top of our game we have to take breaks every now and then. Our friends will always be here when we are ready to come back!
George, a lovely reflection and honest too! I just have a little comment if I may….the comment “many do not participate on Twitter because they do not connect with anyone in a meaningful way" could be a red herring I think….One could easily say that people who do twitter have no meaningful relationships. Perhaps we should focus on what constitutes meaningful and less on the vehicle one uses to find that meaning. That's all. In the space of openness.
George, you are very right that we all need a break at some time. I need to thank you for continually nudging me to get on to Twitter because as a new user I do not yet know the depth of relationships that I may form through it, but it is certainly the best form of professional learning that I currently have access to. As a matter of fact I think I am going to blog on why educators should be on Twitter… just as soon as I get back from my weekend family vacation!
George- First, I had to laugh that you "took a break" because every time I get on a social network your name pops up. It seems like you are everywhere!
I have been on Twitter for a few years, but just this summer started following educators. I had no idea the wealth of resources that was at my finger tips! I just came off of a very difficult year. This was my first year back in MS after teaching Kindergarten for many years, which is a learning curve by itself. But, I also transferred from a principal who was like-minded in thinking to one who was not. In the midst of a lot of questioning myself & my purpose in education, I came across fabulous educators through Twitter. Your voice has particularly resonated with me. As a principal you created an atmosphere that I crave; you push yourself and the rest of us to ask tough questions; and you seem to be so open, honest, transparent. Thank you for being out there… here?… speaking loudly for education reform. You, along with many others, have unknowingly been a huge support for me. Although it will be one of the most difficult things I have stepped out and done, I am planning to start a blog. I am convinced that reflection helps growth and I have something to say, right? I have recently begun to think of social networks as bringing back the front porch. While I haven't been around long enough to develop many real friendships, I love sitting with a glass of lemonade watching all my new neighbors. Thanks again and stay passionate, whatever it takes.
Leslie,
I didn't TOTALLY disappear
I guess less for me. Your words are extremely kind and I look forward to reading your thoughts as you share them through your blog. It is something that has really benefitted myself through the continuous reflection and then collaboration with others. Let me know when you start; I am looking forward to following 
Thanks again for your kind words!
Another great post, George! Every summer, I try to take a little Twitter and blogging break too. It's not that I don't do it at all, as like you, I still enjoy connecting to the people online, but I do scale way back. I think there's value in taking some time and just thinking. I hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer too, and I can't wait to see what you share again during the next school year!
Aviva
Thanks Aviva! I wish you all the best for the school year! Thanks again for your continuous commenting and support
Thanks for the reminder about taking time to breathe. Jeremy Macdonald usually unplugs on Sundays and challenged me to do the same. I made it almost the entire day my first time. It's such a strange feeling. Now I'm learning HOW to take a break more consistently and more often.
What I'm most excited about is the amazing music you discovered! The music you included in this post have been my top plays for the summer too. Love that we can connect about education, but even more because of our music!!
I think that it is important that we show our "other" sides in this space as well. It really builds up the idea that we are people first, not just educators. Thanks for continuously sharing so many things. It has been great to connect with you online, offline, and when you choose, through Hey Tell
This is fantastic! I can say that I have become a better educator, administrator, and a learner because of your influence through Twitter. Loved your presentation at #RSCON3. Best of luck in your new role. Thank you!
Ron,
That is extremely kind and I appreciate it. Thanks for the well wishes and I hope that you have a great year! Thanks again for your comment
Another great post and it made me start thinking about next Summer. Each summer I try to find as many new things and to go to as much training as possible. What ends up happening is I end up getting frustrated with my colleagues who seem to check out and do nothing all summer. This summer caused some real tension when I stated how angry I was that more of our teachers don't do anything (or so it seemed). Of course these teachers who were out of sight were taking college classes, traveling with family, or just taking a break from the stress of standardized testing mania.
Next summer I need to take a break. I need to connect less and I need to let go from the fear that I will miss something "important." My battery could use the break.
Again, great post.
Thanks Chris
I hope all is well!
George,
This post resonated with me because I “took a break” from teaching for the last six weeks of the school year. I was in a bad situation and taking a leave was an incredible experience for me. In that time, I joined Twitter, developed an amazing PLN, attended RSCON3, started following some incredible blogs and all this completely changed my outlook and philosophy on public education. These past three months have seen the most incredible PD I have done in my entire career. Now I’m itching to get back into the classroom (in a new school) to try it all out. Just a little nervous though because the changes have come so quick, without a chance to phase them in.
Jeremy,
That is an amazing story. I really believe until we are right with ourselves, how can we be right for others? It is so important that we sometimes just step back and take a breath. That moment can lead to so much more fulfillment and love for what we do. Thank you for sharing such a personal story.
[...] I have thought a lot about, and more so since I have started blogging (see here, here, and here). The funny thing is that I have thought a lot more about it since I have been connected with [...]
Da geht doch was bei Vidable!Nur gute Neuigkeiten seit über 2 Monaten und da kommt noch mehr. Sieht aus, als hätten die Jungs den Schalter umgelegt. Was haltet ihr davon?