I've always liked turtles. They have a reputation in fables and fairy tales as being slow and old. Sometimes, they're portrayed as being clever -- but slow, nonetheless -- which is a shame as turtles have lots of amazing qualities that people should know about.
- Upon hatching, they immediately find their way to the ocean
- Upon old age, they somehow find their way to where they born
- For pet turtles, the bigger the space they are given, the bigger they are able to grow
- Predators and plastic poisoning aside, they live much longer than most other animals
- They bring their homes with them wherever they go
- They breathe slowly -- and if yoga rules apply -- this makes them one of the most reflective and mindful creatures there are
So I've decided not just to like turtles but to emulate them as well. In development work, I think those amazing qualities will be just as essential for me.
- Upon starting, to find my way to the bigger picture, the bigger vision
- Upon old age, to find my way back to how I began, as a young student, and hopefully be able to teach or give back
- Depending on where I work, to take the opportunities and develop or grow as much as I can
- Politics and pandering aside, to be able to go beyond the challenges and somehow live to see the impact of our work
- To try to make a home out of wherever I go, or at least find something there that reaffirms my belief that we are all tied together
- To breathe slowly - to reflect and be mindful - to learn, to always learn
