Mindful Monday: Focus on the Good

It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and focus on the tasks that need to get done. It's also easy to point out what isn't working, what bothers you, and what you wish were different.

Researchers say that on average we spend 53 hours a year complaining. And in life, just like in the classroom, we get more of what we pay attention to.

In a society where we count our money, our weight, our calories, and steps, it's time we start counting our blessings instead.

If we focus on the negative, the negatives get easier to spot and become more abundant. BUT...if we focus on the good, they, too, will become more apparent, and you'll start to notice the positives more.

I am not saying to act like life is easy or simply ignore what's hard. But I am saying that it can be mood altering, and life changing to focus on the good.

Your SEL/Sunshine Committee has gifted every staff member a Gratitude Journal. If the practice of writing in a gratitude journal is not already a part of your daily routine, I challenge you to try it for 14 days.

For the next two weeks, take 2-5 minutes before you go to bed to write down three things you are grateful for. It could be anything from all green lights on your way to work, a team member making copies for you, no line at Starbucks, or your spouse doing the grocery shopping. They don't have to be big things. In fact, I would argue most things in my gratitude journal are little things that made me smile that day, things that I'm grateful for, things that I'm appreciative for that normally I may have overlooked or taken for granted.

I guarantee three things will happen by the end of your two weeks, so says science, not just me.

1) You will begin to focus more on the good that surrounds you.

2) Your stress will decrease.

3) You will sleep better.

On behalf of your SEL/Sunshine Committee, we are grateful for each and every team member here. Your hard work and dedication to ensure our students' success is not going unnoticed. We SEE you, and we appreciate you! We wish you a fantastic Thanksgiving break next week. We hope you take the time to rest and recharge. We are grateful for YOU!