The Goal is Joy

I was walking with a friend today and I tried to explain how goals can be overwhelming at times.  I said, "When I think of a big goal, in my mind I jump right to the end product.  There are so many steps in between, it feels burdensome."  She replied, "Joy is the goal."

nI stopped in my track and my whole being said, "YES!"  Yes.  That's it.  Joy is the goal.  Think big picture, yes.  But you want to do something that is joyful along the way.  Sometimes people say things in just the right way and you have to come to a abrupt halt and let it sink in.  

Which got me thinking about what I love to do.  Or, what I THINK I love to do.  
​I love to: 
1. Make tutorials to help people.
2. Read children's books and keep track of them for later reference.
3. Learn new tech tools and figure out how to use them in the classroom.
4. Read about new education trends and think about what I agree and disagree with.  
5. Have real conversations with other educators about pedagogy.  
6. Write blog posts.  (Okay, maybe I don't always love, but I do love the reflecting through writing!)
7. Create 

Then I went a level deeper and this is what I found:

I love to learn.
I love to share.
I love to write. 
I love to create.
I love to discuss.
I love to collaborate.
​I love testing and collecting resources.

I'm telling you.  I feel like I have a new freedom and excitement for going forth!  Starting with my love of learning, I am going forth in this manner: 

I spend time learning.
Technology, Pedagogy, Research, Practicalities

I share my learnings with others.  
Website, Twitter, TikTok (Dare I?)

I keep track of my learning by writing.
Google Docs, Blog Posts, Website

I'm not sure where this is going to lead me, but I'm going to go forth and see what grows and blossoms.  Ultimately the goal will be joy.  What do you love and what brings you joy?