Much needed update, prompted by an email
I was sent an email today simply asking “how’ve you been? what’s up?”
This was my response…
Oh my goodness, can you believe how crazy life gets sometimes? Just today I’ve learned so much and been humbled in so many ways. (The good kind of humbling). Even though I came home from the office tonight dragging my feet and hanging my head; when you ask how I am doing…I would have to say in all honesty that I am doing well.
After writing a really tough obituary last week, my chief editor received a letter from the deceased’s husband about my article. It was not a happy letter. He pointed out several areas where I could have done better in my reporting. Many of my colleagues say that he was brash and “just worked up over nothing.” But I have taken his criticism to heart. He was right in a lot of ways. I’m trying not to let it bog me down, but I feel there is a lot I can learn from this experience.
That was important meeting number one. Important meeting number two was with my advisor. He advises the staff at the Falcon and oversees my major. I met with him to discuss a story I have been investigating for the last year and a half. Needless to say, I was in over my head. I had bitten off more than I could chew and he let me know that. We went to the back office, I laid out all the information I had and made a feeble attempt to explain what it all meant. For the next hour and 15 minutes, he let me have it. Gently of course.
In short, I emerged from that office with a renewed sense of clarity in my mission, despite the fact that most of what he told me was stuff I already knew. It’s interesting to me how hearing something from someone you respect, gives it validity and makes it more real. Does that make sense? I dunno, maybe it’s just one of my personal revelations for the week.
Today has been hell, but perhaps I needed to feel the heat on my heels to get me moving back in the right direction.
Wow, I bet you didn’t expect this kind of response to such a seemingly simple question. Sorry if this scared you. I just like to be honest. I hope all is well for you. Have you come across any grand adventures or interesting life lessons?
