"The task of mid-life is the task of finding the difficult, often dangerous road to the eldership of love. It becomes, for all of us, the road worth taking, the road back home." So ends the "Homeward Road" chapter from the David Whyte book, The Heart Aroused. With surety, I can tell you, I am on that road. It's a journey to re-examine my "birthright gift." Here I am, moving into my 70th year, having spent more than forty-five years as an educator. As I think about my earlier high school teaching, I wanted young people to understand their gifts and talents; I wanted them to use their birthright gifts imaginatively, creatively, and boldly. And, I felt that the way that I could best "set their hearts afire" was to be a cheerleader for them.

Washington School Leaders - Winter 2000

That birthright gift of mine, that ability to influence others and set their hearts afire about whatever they deeply care about, is strong in me right now. The category of persons I have encouraged over the years has changed. Now, my focus is upon those I've identified as "early innovators." I find myself getting passionately involved as a support person for those educators who are "ahead of the game - ahead of the curve;" I am now a cheerleader for new pioneer leaders who are excited about making a difference in the lives of young people. I now find that I want to make a difference in the lives of those persons (those educational leaders) who want to make a difference!

Rural School Leaders With David - Spring 2004

It is clear to me that I want to use my birthright gift - as a sincere messenger of encouragement - to be a cheerleader for others who want to make a difference. This is my new work... on the same old road. David Hagstrom

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