Jump!
Jump!
From the Edge of Everything to the Adventure of a Lifetime
Edgework is the edge of our experience, our knowledge, and our confidence. Beyond that edge is where ALL learning takes place. And life IS learning.
We can intentionally choose to move ourselves onto the edge and jump. Sometimes life pushes (or pulls) us there whether we want to or not.
I choose to jump. (And it's scaring the shit out of me)
Standing on Solid Ground, Leaping into the Unknown
My former career as head of school, international school leader, and classroom teacher has been leading me to this moment. My personal growth as a father, a grandfather (as of last month!), partner, and friend has been bringing me to this moment. My lifelong journey of becoming fully myself as a gay man has been carrying me to this moment.
As I stand on the edge, I stand on solid ground — relationships that bring me immense joy and a home that is a place of belonging and gathering. Beyond the edge? My footing is uncertain.
Lately, this uncertainty makes its way into dreams where I seem always to be lost — missing a train or wandering through wilderness, unable to get my bearings. Uncertainty appears in the bright light of summer days when I find myself nesting, organizing, tackling to-do lists that most certainly don't represent what matters most right now.
The Gap Year That Changes Everything
In the two weeks since I launched my gap year (that's a better name than retirement, given that I've also launched my own coaching and consulting company), I've ebbed and flowed between gratitude and hope, excitement and exhilaration, trepidation and doubt.
I've reflected on 20 years as head of school and more than 40 years in education while creating a bold vision of the future. For those of you who know me well, I am an adventurer and a dreamer. I am grounded in the present, yet I am an adventurer at heart. I believe in big dreams.
Three Touchstones for the Leap
As I prepare to leap, I am guided by three touchstones:
🌟 JOY! Whatever I do, let it bring me joy. Life and work are too precious not to experience joy and everyday blessings.
🌊 FLEXIBILITY! Wherever I am, my future life and work will be guided by flexibility in time and place.
💝 GENEROSITY! I am so grateful to those who have helped me along my personal and professional journeys, and I am eager to give back.
Jump! (Yep, still scared)
Within days, I will travel to Australia, where Jared and I will continue to build our "bi-coastal life." With a home in Seattle, WA, we've got a new home along the Sunshine Coast, QLD.
Welcome to #vanlife!
From international school leadership to international life adventures. From classroom teaching to life coaching. From retirement planning to edgeworklife living.
I can't wait to share our adventures along the Sunshine Coast and across the continent. The consulting and coaching practice is launching. The van is waiting. The dreams are big.
Come along for the ride!
Follow the Adventure and let’s connect.
Instagram: @edgeworklife
LinkedIn: drkirkwheeler
Website: drkirkwheeler.com
What edge are you standing on?