RSVP?

RSVP? What does that mean? I remember when I first started my program...my professors then and now would always refer to RSVP, so much so that I had started to ask my classmates what was RSVP. Well...one professor finally explained that it is the guiding principles of Notre Dame experience, and when I was done, I would not only know it by heart but would use it to guide me in my professional and personal life. Well...I guess I've come full circle.

RSVP~Research, Self-Reflection,Vocation, and Practice. This is the College of Notre Dame's framework. My journey as a student has definitely required me to go down each of these paths. This I come to realize isn't a linear path, but one that goes in many directions- converging at some points, circular at others...even radiating out from a single point. I find myself doing a lot of self-reflection, lately. It's not easy to be objective. Sometimes...I may want to gloss over my faults and shortcomings, but then I realize through research and practice
(personally, professionally, and socially), that if I want to be the best at my vocation-honesty must prevail. Do I want to grow? Do I want to be the best at what I do? If so examining my achievements and mistakes are a necessary evil. How else will I know what to change or build upon? Be open to critiques from others, whether they be family, friends, colleagues, or even enemies. It's not easy...but reflect we must. Here are a few quotes that speak to me...how about you?

• 'To see the future you have to travel on the rough edge of experience.' Harriet Rubin Fast Company writer.

• 'We can easily forgive a child whom is frightened of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.' Plato

• The price of change is measured by our will and courage, our persistence, in the face of difficulty.' Peter Block Business Philosopher

• 'If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing it badly.' G K Chesterton.

RSVP I am starting to realize what it means to me! What does it mean to you?