Do you have a credo?

For my English class I had to research and share my thoughts about credos. I liked the whole idea of a credo as I read about it. I'd like to think that underneath the layers of me, the mommy, the wife, the friend, the reader, - all of it's influenced by my core beliefs about the world and why we are here, that although I haven't written one yet, you can look at my life and see what my credo would say. The following is a portion of what I wrote.

I think a credo is a fascinating way to look at belief. As I did this research it was interesting to see so many different belief systems, working toward good things, but different end goals. 
As I interpret my research a credo is a statement of religious belief. I really enjoyed this statement by Jaroslav Pelikan "But, at some point, you have to be who and what you are in the only culture in which you're ever going to live, the only century in which you're going to live and die, and, in that century, you have to answer with whatever linguistic and philosophical equipment you have, you have to answer the question: "Who do you say that I am?"" This embodies the idea of a creed for me. We have to decide for ourselves, as some point in our lives, what is really worth spending our time, energy and resources on. Without some kind of belief system we can be buffeted about by any change in the political, social, or emotional climates that are all around us.
If we use the definition that a credo is a religious belief then it's hard to imagine bad intent. That being said, I have no doubt that countless people have excused their bad behaviors or choices with their so called religious beliefs.  In that way credo can be divisive rather than positive forces for good.
 In an interview on "The Need for Creeds," Jaroslav Pelikan suggests, "in the darkest hours of life, you've got to believe something specific, and that specification is the task of the creed, because, much as some people may not like it, to believe one thing is also to disbelieve another. To say yes is also to say no." Would you agree that human societies need creeds?
I do agree with his assertion that we all need creeds. Because what I think he is really saying is we need something to believe. Nor do I argue with Pelikan's statement that to believe in one thing is to disbelieve another. I think that this is a universal truth.  The key for me is to understand my beliefs, and to share them as they are welcomed, but to let go of judgement for those that do not believe as I do.  Am I always successful? No. I wish I was. Will I keep trying? Yes. Because that is part of my unwritten credo. 

Brenda

Lessons from week one.

It's been almost a full  week since I started all three classes. I'm tired but feeling encouraged. Points to take note of:

-I haven't been to bed before midnight once this week, but if I'm being totally honest that's not very different than before I started school. The difference is how I'm spending my time when I stay up. 
-I finished all the assignments due for the week so that I can have a relaxing sabbath focusing on my family, and revitalizing my spirit. Hopefully recharging enough to do it all over again next week.
-Doing my Spanish assignments and understanding them are 2 different things.
-Most things are not "spelled out" for me. There is a lot to figure out on my own.
-My kids are going to need to practice their cooking skills more often. Glad I've taught them!
-Three nights away from home in a row is hard, I may have to give up some of my extras, like book club until this semester is over. Possibly longer.
-It's OK to take a day off if you are caught up. I didn't study a thing on Thursday and it was good to focus on family.
-I could let myself feel guilty about my cute 4 year old watching to much TV while I did biology homework, but I won't because guilt doesn't change anything. She and I will need to balance homework and regular life.
-Chocolate doesn't make the studying any easier. It just makes it feel less hard.



Our ability to learn

 Last Wednesday was my first day of class, and my first homework assignment. At the end of that night I found myself scared witless and wondering if I was smart enough to figure out what was being asked, forget about the answers. It took me what seemed like hours to do that assignment- which was worth 5 whole points.  Today I also took hours to do this weeks assignment-another 5 points thank you very much- but it felt different. It felt a bit more like a treasure hunt, looking for that perfect nugget of information that would answer my question. OK, it was the professors question, but I really wanted to know the answers as well. It's so amazing that in a weeks time, I've turned a small corner, that what felt so so difficult became less difficult.
Spanish is similar. My children have been speaking simple phrases to me for a couple of years now. Sometimes my response would be frustration, the I don't speak Spanish so answer me in English please, kind of frustration. Sometimes my responses were more inquisitive, what was that word-how do you spell it-how do you say it again, kind of inquisitive.  After just 4 days of working on assignments some things are starting to click.
I would have said that I was a learner. Books are, and always have been a daily part of my life. I like brain games like sudoku. I have discussions about books and life with friends, but being back in school is teaching me that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought I was. I think we all the ability to be more than we ever though we could be.  Going back to school has unlocked a small portion of my potential, what could unlock yours?

It's one a.m. again...

I knew going back to school would be a challenge, but this feels a little bit crazy.  This is the third night in a row that I've stayed up past one am.  It's just so quiet, and there is just so much to do.

I have 13 credits this semester. I needed three classes no matter how I sliced it, so I went for a full load. I'm not regretting it, not at all. I just had no idea what it really meant in terms of time. I also forgot what it's like to use my higher thinking skills. (is that real, or did I just make that up?)   Reading a Bio textbook is so....nap inducing, yet I feel so excited when I stay awake AND understand it.  Perhaps this will change. I have a few friends who tell me that this enthusiasm for good grades will wane with time, I'm not sure I believe them. I have a lot of future plans that depend on doing this well, and I've waited too long to be here to give it any less than my best shot.

I still think sleep is a really good thing. I may or may not figure out a different study schedule.  If I don't I may crash and burn, but right now, this first week, this is working. I'm keeping up, and I'm getting it.
That feels really good.

It's been a while...

Here I am. Thirty eight years old and I'm back in school. I got married when I was eighteen, and we went off to college together. We had a baby, I took a break for a semester and then re-enrolled. I  had to quit when I almost miscarried a second time.  I was 12 weeks pregnant and on bed rest when we decided I would finish finals and not enroll for the next semester. What I knew, and promised myself was that I would go back someday when the time was right.  I've waited half a lifetime for the time to be right, and here I am 18 years almost exactly since I made that decision. I like my life. My husband and I have been through so much, and we're still very much in love.  We now have seven children. I'm busier than I ever imagined I could be. Despite every blessing, I've never stopped wanting to get my education. It took almost that full 18 years to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, but I think that's finally clear as well.  When I'm finished with prerequisites, I'll apply to the nursing program. That's all a ways away.  This blog will fill an assignment for my English class, but perhaps it will also serve as inspiration and support to someone else who also wants to take this journey.