Confession time. I've been having a hard time getting motivated about starting up the K-16 CFG again. Last year, it was a true joy to gather monthly and simply do authentic work. We learned a lot by bringing our individual concerns to the table for feedback, and I think our time together was well spent.

While mulling over my malaise, I thought of an article that Lance passed out when our group first started meeting, Stages of Team Development, by Nancy Mohr and Alan Dichter. When I reread the article, I realized that it was no wonder that I was feeling a little trepidation about starting the new year. According to Nancy and Alan, after a group leaves the Honeymoon Stage, it must navigate through the Conflict Stage, the Confusion-about-Democracy Stage, the Messy Stage, and the Scary Stage before it reaches the MATURE GROUP Stage. I dread going through some of these stages since conflict and confusion give me heart palpitations!

At least I feel confident that we will get to the Mature Group Stage, and I feel assurance that my dear Critical Friends will be supportive of the group as we move forward together.