I get accused of talking fast in my classes. My students often say, “Ms. Neely, stop, wait, slow down.” My response is always, “I can’t slow down. There’s too much to learn and too little time!” I’m a passionate person and I have very clear vision of what my role and purpose on this spinning orb is. That passion and purpose brings with it a sense of urgency to get moving and get going!
As you can imagine, not everyone I encounter feels the same sense of urgency to change the world as I do. In fact, I encounter many people who are pretty comfortable in their lives, so when I speak up and challenge and question and call for quick action…well, let’s just say it’s not pretty. I understand their position and their perspective and I do appreciate the stop-and-smell-the-roses life approach; however when I stop and smell the roses it’s to dream about more ways to change the world.
On days like today after being told to, “Wait, stop and slow down.” I am tempted to temper my temperament. To calm it down and dish my passion out in easily digestible bites just for a minute, but then I remember Gandi’s urging to “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I do wish that more people would act on the instincts that they have to help each other and to question why the world is the way it is and to throw a change up instead of the predictable fastball and so I guess I have to be that change up.
If you are looking for me, I’ll be changing the world. Feel free to join me (just to warn you there might be some speeding tickets along the way). Catch me if you can!