Currently I work for an organization, City Year, that truly values people. I don't mean as "workers" even though that is important to the success of this service orientated non-profit, I mean the human aspects of me as a person and not just an employee. One of their traditions is to invite people to share their life story to inspire others. As my granddaughter would say in her peppy quick -step tone: "Guess what?" Seattle chose me.
Between working on professional development sessions I'll be delivering there next week, I have been doing some real Pat's Pondering about what you say when asked to tell your life story. I have spent the last few days of reaching back to memories, stories, and antidotes I might share trying to revise, edit, analyze, organize, think about myself. Do you know how hard that is? I am the person on a plane who can listen to the stranger next to me all the way across the country and not share even so much as my name. I have always felt I learn more by listening and thinking.
Most of my sharing about myself comes in funny stories for social events; I love humor. This audience is a room full of magnificent 18-24 year-olds with their whole life ahead of them. They have chosen to spend this year giving back to their communities. It feels like I learn so much more from them than they ever could from me. The invitees, a staff of dedicated professionals just a few years older, will be there as well; believe it or not, they look to me for guidance and expertise.
How did I get here? Here to this place where I have lived long enough for someone to think they can learn from me. A place where, no matter what your story is, you will be accepted. A time when thinking about how you live your life is honored.
And how do you cull 62 years of stories into an engaging 30 minute talk. This will take some pondering. This may be one of my biggest challenges ever. So, stay tuned, I have a story to share...when I get time. :-)
