STAY IN YOUR LANE

If you have been reading my blog regularly, you will have an understanding of the ups and downs of my YMCA career as well as undoubtedly have a grasp of the numerous positions I’ve held over the past thirty plus years. From camp counselor to most recently payroll administrator the story’s much like a soap opera, as the plot and climax remain the same but a new cast of characters and scenes change with each passing season. With all the positions I held and the numerous changes in leadership, I have survived the continuous bombardment of learning curves and understanding behavior dynamics.

Each position presented itself with its new set of knowledge and skills which often where not transferable from the position departed. I managed to secure three degrees: Associate of Arts (Elementary Education), Bachelor of Public Administration and Master of Science in Parks and Recreation Administration as well as almost completed a Doctoral program, ABD as well. While working in child care, I completed my Associate of Arts degree and found the parallels in both my academic studies and professional career. As my career moved along towards more administrative duties, my Bachelor of Public Administration and Master of Parks and Recreation Administration prepared me for the new challenges my new roles would take me on. With each educational attainment came an exciting opportunity for my career to advance as well. With such specific parallels, I was able to broaden my skills sets allowing me to diversify my knowledge portfolio in an intentional direction. As these same characters appear and reappear throughout my journey and how my story keeps unfolding – page by page. I find some come in for a reason which you may not know at that time, while others come in for a season to teach a much needed lesson.

With each passing year, a new cast of characters and scenes take the place of some others who have moved on. As I mentioned, the plot and climax remained the same, just understanding the dynamics of behavior interwoven in the existing story always brings a twist with the same conclusion. The complexity of the characters is an unforgiving puzzle, in that once you think you have found the solution, there still is a missing piece that doesn’t quite fit the final vacancy on the puzzle board. It’s not until you get down to the looking at the intricate woven fiber that its noted where that piece will play out. The piece you just thought fit perfectly well in that upper right hand corner actually fit better in the lower left hand corner after you reexamined the jagged edges compared to the void on the puzzle board. The void, slowly plays out as you find how the piece seamlessly integrates within the framework of the storyline.

Along my journey, (as many have you come to know my idiom for my career) I’ve learned to stay in in my lane and only offer to change lanes when approached or finding that safe, sweet spot to move over a lane or two. Most often, staying in my lane and keeping up with the speed limit is the best option, I realized I will still get there, albeit eventually. Perhaps with the comforts of my own vehicle, held in safety and speed as the existing traffic warrants, I relish the ride, alone. At times, I may just want to pull over and enjoy the scenery or take a small break to break up the silent monotony, while staying focused on the destination ahead. I continue, to proceed at my own steadfast pace, affording opportunities presented and not simply passing them up. Before I know it, the time has come for me to leave my lane and pull over, and repeat the cycle, once again.

Thanks, to a greater share of today’s technology in our lives, the whirlwind of today not tomorrow deadlines and the constant and instant accessibility have in turn created endless days. I found myself compromising my own wellbeing and to a certain extent my own health, I always felt the need to look out for others’ missteps to prevent mishaps, adjust priorities to make sure tasks are completed and deadlines are met. Many may call it loyalty, dedicated and professionalism - I call it work ethic ingrained into my soul from an early age. Contrarily, I’m starting to question and place the blame on being naïve and lessons not learned early on. I caused my own falling into this trap one too many times. Rarely, if ever gained or benefited for myself at the expense of putting others first. The lesson learned was to always take priority for myself as no one else will make you their priority. It still remains difficult for me to stand up for myself and pushback and say no and let things go and not feel guilty. I will have to try harder and not fear the consequences of creating and staying in my own lane. 

As the road ahead blends and blurs with the sky’s horizon ahead, it seamlessly becomes an illusion of the road’s infinite ribbons composed of asphalt and concrete. I continue to drive towards a destination where the finale has yet to be determined, as I am too busy savoring the journey. “The journey is the reward.” as stated by Steve Jobs, founder of Apple Computer. Well said. Ultimately, I have found my lane, but every once in a while, I find time to stop and take a breather and other times its best to know that staying in my own lane will take me on a journey, exclusively shaped for me by my creator.