Mindful Monday: Finding Perspective in 2020

As we reflect on this semester and the year as a whole, it’s easy to want to move past this year and just get to 2021 already. However, I would encourage you not to think of 2020 as just a "terrible year"- a year we would all like to soon forget. Instead, think of all the ways we have shown our students that they matter to us. We showed up for them both virtually and in person time and time again during all of this. We have shown them that even during these uncertain times, that their teacher would always be here. You have made care packages, home visits, and have gone above and beyond to try to make this year as "normal" as it can be. I assure you that there is a student in your class right now that will look back years from now and not remember how many technical glitches occured, not remember how many times they had to wash their hands; however, they will fondly remember YOU. They will remember how much you cared about them. They will remember how you made them feel, and how you believed in them. 

While we might want to mark 2020 as a dud of a year, don’t be quick to forget all the amazing ways we have shown up for each other as well. I couldn't have made it through this year if it weren't for all the "checking in" by family and friends. Between FaceTime, text threads, snail mail and surprise porch presents, those connections have made 2020 survivable for me. I have been most impressed this year by the creative solutions, the out of the box ideas and making things possible that I thought were never possible.

I challenge you when reflecting on the year to not dwell on everything we missed out on; instead, find the shiny unexpected moments that came out of 2020. Focus on the strength you found within yourself that perhaps you never knew you had. Focus on the community that surrounded you and supported you through all the peaks and valleys this year presented us. Focus on the students that you showed up for and are better for having you as their teacher.