We are underway, new students, new class that entails team teaching, new principal, new department members, new school computer . . . . . pretty amazing. It has been hectic, American Studies (team taught English/US History) is a joy, wonderful students who want to succeed. My freshman classes are good. Now the test comes in maintaining my attitude, my preparedness and my time. To persevere when it becomes difficult or things are no longer new. I ran into a fellow teacher, Andy the Athlete. Andy runs ultra-marathons (for fun) and even manages events around the U.S. This summer Andy decided to bike to Vermont where he was managing a race I believe. He loaded his bike with 90 pounds of gear and took off. He completed the ride but said to me, "I cried one day." To persevere means there will be pain and suffering, not that we enjoy those two things or want too much of them but to build perseverance means we have to overcome some pain and suffering. I was really impressed that he admitted to me that he had felt enough pain to cry. I thought back a few year to my bike ride from Maine to Illinois. I was traveling across Ohio, straight as an arrow road for over 25 miles, mist, and a 25 mph wind blowing straight into my face. I was alone, I screamed, I cried, but I finished the ride. Perseverance was learned in that pain. I get to team-teach with a guy named Tom. He runs marathons. . . 26 miles. Perseverance. I don't think I could ever focus my mind to keep running for 26 miles. Perseverance. And pain. Why? Most people over the age of 25 realize or are beginning to realize that life is not always easy. There are difficult days, people, and situations that tax us to our core. Some people find ways to cope. . . exercise, meditation, prayer, faith, a friend or spouse to talk with, medication . . . of all kinds, and the list goes on. Sometimes simple perseverance is all we need to remember.
