Do you ever look back on your life and find those pivotal moments that shape who you are today? Moments that teach you profound life lessons that stay with you forever. One memory for me was in the bright and bustling classroom of my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Egler. She was more than just a teacher; she was a beacon of warmth and care, someone who genuinely invested in each one of her students.
One day, she orchestrated a fun and interactive activity called "Relay Shapes." Splitting the class into two teams, she challenged us to retrieve shapes she called out from the other side of the classroom. It seemed simple enough, but there was a twist. Mrs. Egler cleverly mixed two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes to test our knowledge.
So, it's my turn, and Mrs. Egler shouts, "Cone!" I dash to grab the cone shape ( trying not to fall into these irritating penny loafers because my mother didn't like me wearing tennis shoes). I'm feeling pretty confident. But, hold up, I'm running back, and my team starts shouting that I got it wrong! Doubt crept in, and I turned around to grab the triangle, but then, my gut was like, "Girl, you were right the first time!" Time was ticking, I turned back around while sliding on this shiny linoleum-like floor, and I wasted precious seconds second-guessing myself. Ultimately, my team won because the other side had picked the wrong shape!
Back then, I didn't fully grasp the significance of that moment. I was relieved that my team wasn't mad at me ( because some of y'all 80s kids were straight-up jerks! Okay, let me stay focused...) for my mistake. I remember Mrs. Egler walking over to me and giving me a much-needed lesson I'd carry for years to come. She said, "Michelle, you were the only one who picked the right shape. You knew it, but you didn't trust yourself."
Fast-forward, the years went by, and that memory kept resurfacing, and I finally understood that there are two types of knowing: one based on facts and evidence and the other on intuition and certainty. While the former is valuable and essential, the latter is equally powerful and can guide us in ways we cannot fully explain.
Now, I'm not saying that I possess all the answers or that I make flawless decisions. However, I've learned and continue to learn the art of leaning into my intuition and trusting the inner compass that guides me. Life is a continuous learning experience; sometimes, we must embrace the uncertainties, knowing that our hearts and minds are leading us toward what is right.
I am grateful for Mrs. Egler's soundbite of wisdom that has stayed with me for 35+ years and the invaluable reminder to trust myself and the deeper knowledge within me. Let us all remember that life's journey isn't about seeking perfection or constant reassurance; it's about finding the courage to embrace uncertainty and trust the profound wisdom within us.
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