Musings

Sharing this passage because it is a direct reflection of how I strive to live my life every day. Perhaps it will mean something to you, perhaps it will inspire you to live your life this way as well, if your aren't doing so already. --- Direct quote from the book Offerings: Buddhist Wisdom for Every Day   by Olivier & Danielle Follmi. 21 May  You cannot live sheltered forever without ever being exposed, and at the same time be a spiritual adventurer. Be audacious. Be crazy in your own way, with that madness in the eyes of man that is wisdom in the eyes of God. Take risks, search and search again, search everywhere, in every way, do not let a single opportunity or chance that life offers pass you by, and do not be petty and mean, trying to drive a hard bargain. Arnaud Desjardins

Today is my first day of school. Not ever, of course, but it’s been 14 years since my last degree – a master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University. And today, I return to school to start work on another master’s degree, this time in teaching at the University of Northern Colorado . A lot is different this time around! All of my previous schooling was during my late teens and early twenties. I am now in my late 30s (I’ll leave the math as to my exact age up to you). Disclaimer: I will be in class with others ranging in age from mid-20s to 50s. So it’s really not as bad as it could be. But that doesn’t’ mean I’m not nervous. In fact, I’ve never been nervous about school until now. Will I make friends? Will others know more than me? Will I be challenged? All of my previous schooling took place without the assistance of caffeine. Coffee drinks were just gathering momentum when I was in grad school and while I would have an occasional café mocha or latte, it was rare. Now,