I had a skill in high school that I did NOT put on my college applications. I got really good at forging hall passes. Hall passes were little notes teachers and faculty gave students to get out of class for a purpose. Like going to the office, getting picked up early by your parents, and seeing your counselor, or another teacher.
There were a few faculty members who’s writing I could impersonate like a regular Frank Abagnale (Catch Me If You Can). Me and my friends skipped class whenever we wanted to, we went to the gym, fitness center, the PE classes, etc. Hall passes were usually delivered by other students and not adults so it was pretty easy to get away with.
I was the Da Vinci behind our mischief until I got busted. My junior year I finally had a teacher who figured out my shenanigans and did a little research. Luckily she only gave me a warning and told me to stop.
Did I stop? No. But I did quit giving my little fictitious notes to HER.
I was a pretty laid-back student. On the outside I was kinda quiet but on the inside I was a bit mischievousness. I was what Wayne Dyer called a “scurvy elephant”. My friend Zeke used to say, Adam people think you’re so innocent because you’re quit. But if they only knew you…”
I’m happy I learned early that there’s nothing like a good hall pass. Sometimes you have to step away from your duties and tasks and do something that you enjoy. Something that is fun. There’s no need to put it off until your next vacation…
One “hall-pass” like habit I have is, when I finish my schedule everyday I DO NOT add anything else to it. Back in the days if I finished my schedule early I’d think, wow, I have time to do even more work. I could feel the productivity coursing through my veins. Helpful maybe but boring.
Now when I finish I’m DONE. Now it’s time to draw for fun, go online, exercise, or read something. Play. Have fun. Declutter, De-stress, and enjoy the Endorphins.
Adam