Jessica Reino
Editor
For whatever reason, March is the month that a lot of my professional memberships need to be renewed.
I am not sure how it happened that way, but March seems to be a good time to take inventory of the groups that I am involved in. I update my professional profiles, check on the latest news going on in the groups and continually wish that there was more time in the day that I could take advantage of the benefits that being a member of these groups has to offer.
I consider it my “professional spring cleaning” and I make a running checklist in my head about what I plan to do during the next year with respect to my memberships; maybe take an online class, offer to host a Twitter chat or online workshop, or maybe go to a local chapter meeting. If I can’t get to some of these goals then my plan would be to prioritize that goal during the next renewal.
But then I thought about it, why should I wait an entire year? I should start to tackle some of those goals right now.
There was really no reason not to.
Oftentimes we hear or see the word “renewal” and it has a finite time period attached to it. A time period that we, ourselves, create. How often do I find myself telling my children to “try again tomorrow” in relation to something that occurred that was disappointing to them or if their behavior wasn’t the best it could be?
I also tell them that it’s okay to experience all types of emotions, but always be the best version of themselves (in a way that they can understand of course). They can go to bed with this in mind and wake up renewed, refreshed, and ready to take on the day.
I think this is actually great advice for all of us and one that I try to do even though some days may have better results than others. I think that each and every day we should be mindful of the renewal process to be the best version of ourselves.
Renewals don’t have to occur yearly. It should be daily.
We should never stop trying to improve the person that we are and could ideally become. So my challenge to myself, and to all of you, is to practice a daily renewal. Be the best version of yourself that you can be. You owe it to you.
More About Jessica Reino: Kidlit writer, editor for @pandamoonpub, foodallergy advocate, wife and mom to two amazing boys who keep me on my toes. Find out more at www.jessicareino.me.