One afternoon as I taught my second grade math class, I was blessed with the usual winter distraction....snow flurries. As I began to watch these 7-year-olds fleeing from their chairs, I knew my lesson was basically over. I mean, who could compete?
One after another they ran to the window, eyes wider than saucers, smiles from ear to ear and even some high-fives. I had to smile myself as I too, walked to the window, but was astounded by what I saw. I looked carefully at the sky and the wide open field to make sure I wasn't missing anything, and then looked back at the children again. Unable to contain their giddiness, I continued looking puzzled.
Didn't they see what I saw? I looked toward the window again and watched teeny tiny snowflakes gently floating from the sky. The ground, obviously not ready for snow, absorbed each flake like droplets of water landing in moist soil. The children ignored the fact that it wasn't in fact sticking and remained excited for the rest of the hour. At dismissal, I walked with them into the hall and could feel that same excitement all throughout the primary wing of the school. I noticed less of an excitement coming from the upper part of the wing, though and spent the rest of the day analyzing those tiny flakes.
My perspective as I looked out into what appeared to be condensation from a cold, cloudy day, was that I hadn't heard anything about snowfall in the news. In addition, given my lack of enthusiasm about snow in general, was not looking forward to being surprised by a snowfall and was relieved it wasn't really sticking to the ground.
My classroom filled with seven-year-olds was very different, though. They loved snow and the idea of being able to play in the snow, rather than having to sit in school. And they loved what those snow flakes represented. Those tiny flakes brought back memories of them speeding down mountains on their sleds, spending hours building up snowmen and then coming in to warm their little bodies with hot chocolate...marshmallows piled high.
Was it hope that created that excitement? Did they see those flakes and simply 'hope' it would turn into a blizzard? It surely didn't appear that way. There didn't appear to be any hope involved at all. These were high-fives given with great confidence. Cheers that you'd hear from the winning basketball team, not from the team simply hoping to win.
What I realized was that I could relate to this hopefulness that didn't show up like 'hope' at all, as I made my way through the dating world. And this was made clear when a friend of mine, also recently divorced, began questioning my positive outlook.
"It's just that you are so hopeful," she said.
Hopeful? I didn't see it that way at all. I didn't see myself as sitting around with my hands locked together, just hoping to find Mr. Right.
"I'm not hoping at all," I said.
"You're not? Then how do you stay so optimistic about finding someone?"
"I didn't leave my marriage because I wanted to be alone, so, in my heart, I know I will be with someone. It's just the 'when' that I'm not sure of."
I am not sure she was comfortable with my answer, but I certainly understood where my seven year old class was coming from.
They weren't hoping either. They were fully aware that in New Jersey, in the middle of winter, we were bound to get a blizzard that would lock us in for a few days...it was just a matter of 'when.'
So, the next time you think you are merely wishing on a rainbow, or hoping for a change, try thinking about those flakes, gently making their way to the ground and begin to cheer. Your excitement will surely make you feel better and the positive attitude will no doubt, point you in the right direction.
Lesley Geller is a Business Coach. She helps successful professionals exceed their expectations of growth. She works with small business owners, as well as individuals in large corporations looking to reach the next level. Lesley graduated from the University of Maryland is certified as a Coach through the Coach Training Alliance, which is recognized by the International Coach Federation. She is also a Freelance Writer and co-author of: 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life. For more information about how to reach the potential you're capable of, visit her website at http://www.LesleyGeller.com or e-mail her at Lesley@LesleyGeller.com
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