π Day Reminds Us of Never-ending Potential

Happy Pi Day (3/14), everyone! Today at 1:59 pm will be the “PIest” moment of the year: 3.14.1:59. My never-ending fascination with π is no secret, and every year, I get beyond excited for this day. For me, this year, the digits of pi that never end, never show a pattern, yet embody an inherent pattern in our universe, represents new ideas, new perspectives, and infinite possibilities. It represents the idea to look forward to what is yet to come.

In times of crisis, new perspectives are often forced upon us. Exactly two years ago, on pi day, we were forced to embrace new ideas and perspectives amidst feelings of uncertainty and fear. The COVID-19 restrictions created new appreciations of what we value, new traditions with loved ones, new amendments to lifestyles, new ways to connect, and new ways to teach and learn. New ideas are often born when we take the time to look at things from a different perspective. Astronauts often describe this as the “overview effect.” It is what happens when you see planet earth from space. In 1948, Fred Hoyle, an English astronomer, wrote: “Once a photograph of the Earth, taken from the outside, is available, a new idea as powerful as any in history will be let loose.” 

A new idea: something born from new perspectives, something that stems from a sense of wonder, something that trains our energy and attention on possibilities. Infinite possibilities. For me, the beauty of π, in part, is that it puts infinitely new ideas within reach. For me, it represents endless possibilities. For me, it is insPIrational (ha!) With every new digit, π inspires me to look forward to things yet to come. If times are hard, things will get better. If times are good, the future will be even better. So, just keep dreaming and putting one foot in front of the other. In the words of Nikki Banas: ”Keep dreaming of growing and rising higher. You have new mountains to climb in front of you and bigger dreams to chase. No matter where you are right now, always, always know that the best is still yet to come.” With that optimistic outlook, let us all “spring forward” to a fantastic Quarter 4!

I feel truly blessed to be part of our incredible SMA community. My love for each of you is very much like π -- a bit irrational, never-ending, and forever a constant. 

To infinity and beyond.