Abecedarian

I signed up for my first career fair as an officially unemployed person. Visions of dynamic exchanges with representatives from various industries were balanced with memories from past career fairs. Nonetheless, I am at the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one where, hopefully, I choose the course it takes. 

I am reminded of my new divers. They have only just had their first practice and already they are ripping their entires on their line-ups. I was careful this goa round to make sure that we laid a strong foundation for them to build from. They have mostly bought into the idea that certain basic skills will carry them farther through diving. This is true, but it's a hard truth to adopt.

The word I've chosen today, to symbolically mark the beginning of my search for my new career is abecedarian.  It has an interesting history, stemming from a German 16th century religious sect. They valued divine insight and instruction of the learning and knowledge of man. It's reminiscent of the Tea Party, but that's another blog entry. They disavowed knowledge of the first letters of the alphabet, hence 'ABC-darians.' The irony is that the name they became known for included what they trying to avoid knowing.

Now it's a word to describe someone who is learning the alphabet and by extension, basic skills. My beginner divers are abecedarians at this new sport. I feel as though I am an abecedarian, only the skills are not as clearly laid out in front of me. 

My coach is unemployed life right now, and there are basic tasks, skills to acquire, that will carry me through this next chapter. Skills like writing every day, reading every day. Scheduling time for my activities and developing more discipline. My divers are learning slowly, progressively, and not without making mistakes. These can easily be corrected now. I too am learning, progressively and making mistakes; sleeping in, indulging in the luxury and privilege I have now, changing plans. 

What I appreciate about abecedarian and applying it to my next steps is that it reminds me that though the ultimate goal is a new career, there is an alphabet to learn, there are basic skills I can still acquire.  As a coach, I wholeheartedly believe in learning the fundamentals before progressing. While the delayed gratification can be trying, there is the faith that going back to basics, putting yourself in the shoes of a beginner, can take you further on a journey.  Currently, I'm an abecedarian in my new life, a beginner, a student, and ready to learn.