Better than critical thinking

At AmeriCorps orientation in Chicago, the trainers often spoke of "opportunity thinking." This term simply implies forward-looking, paradigm-shifting thought; instead of the problem-solution framework of critical thinking, opportunity thinking embraces what we could do, what possibilities exist beyond the status quo or "normal" solutions. I find myself using opportunity thinking everyday in my new position.

I am the only person at the shelter who has any experience with public relations work. This is sad, because I have never even taken a course in PR. I've just watched in a couple of internships, and written a press release or two. Because of my lack of experience, I find myself seeking the expertise of my friends and advisors in the field, and I find myself thinking, "what could I do that would be different?" In what ways could I make my organization distinctive to the press and in the community?

My position is also much more self-guided than I had imagined. I've been given a year-long work plan, and on Monday they just told me to get started on it. There's no list of priorities, no guidance as to how I will acheive these goals. I'm just to do it. In some ways, I like the independence that offers me. In other ways, I know I'll have to be careful to seek out the input of others if I really want to be successful. Clearly, I don't know it all. And creativity is sparked in conversation more often than in the silence of my own thoughts.

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Today was filled with a couple of new, fun experiences. For lunch, I went with some of the VISTA crew to a place called Yats. It's a cute, kind of artsy Cajun place that has inexpensive lunches. Oh, man, soooo good. I will be going back.

This evening I went with a couple of friends to a play at the Phoenix Theater downtown. It was definitely a mother-daughter coming of age story, and I'm a little tired of those, in general, but the set and the acting were both well done, and the whole experience only cost us in canned goods. Afterwards we trekked down to the local Starbucks for some free coffee and good conversation, which I have missed so desperately in my transition to Indy. All in all, it was a good day. And I only spent $4. :)