My youngest son changed schools this past year. He left the only school he had known (since the age of 2!) to go to a new High School.

On paper, it looked like a great move (checking all the boxes):

• High School baseball.

• Christian education (a priority for Noah since his previous school was secular).

• A bigger (yet not too big) class size (from 25 freshmen to 100).

• Just 5 minutes from home.

• A strong reputation, with students getting into top colleges.

Our one concern?

How Noah would, after growing up in a collaborative, inquiry-based style of teaching/learning would adapt to the more traditional, lecture-oriented teaching style of the new school.

Turns out our concern was valid.

Noah struggled more than is typical. It didn’t help that he had to miss (a lot of) classes due to HS baseball this past Spring, either.

And so…

He’s moving to a new school.

Although it’s 35 minutes away from our house, it checks all of the other boxes (along with new ones that have been added thanks to our recent experience).

Some people might consider this experience a failure. We don’t.

Despite the difficulties of the past year, Noah leaves with strong friendships, stronger study habits, and the confidence to (finally) ask for help when he needs it.

The lesson, Friend?

When you know you need a change, it’s not always easy to determine what the right change is. Don’t let that stop you from trying something out.

We often choose to stay static because that feels “safer”. It’s not.

Staying where you don’t belong will change you (in ways you won’t like). That will change how you show up at work and in life.

And the in-between step (that some might call a “mistake” or "failure”) might be exactly what you need to gain clarity about the next (right) step.

That’s real progress — don’t discount it.

XO,

Heather