Tuesday, April 9, 2013

The Development Turtle

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



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