Mindful Monday: Courage

It's hard to believe that in a matter of weeks, we will hit the two year mark of what can only be summed up as the most bizarre and still unbelievable life experience. So much so, that I'm not even sure I've fully wrapped my head around it all. 

We have done our best to focus on what we can control, on how we choose to respond, and have focused on being grateful for what we do have. And while I still believe that is our best option and we should stay the course until we find ourselves on the other side of this, there is one major component that perhaps I haven't acknowledged: courage. 

It has taken an immeasurable amount of courage during these last two years. Courage to show up each and every day for our students. Courge to put aside our fears and press on. Courage to smile, even behind the masks. Courage to make it all work because what other choice did we have. Courage to ask for help. Courage to speak your truth. Courage to feel all the feelings.

Pandemic or not, Thomas Murray speaks to the courage each of you shows every day. Please find 40 seconds to watch his clip Teaching is a Courageous Act. 

Brené Brown speaks to courage below. She says, "I think we have lost touch with the idea that speaking honestly and openly about who we are, about what we're feeling, and about our experiences (good and bad) is the definition of courage."

Thank you for having the courage to give your best every day! 

Mindful Monday: You're Perfect

We had a celebration of life service for my husband's grandfather over the weekend. He was blessed enough to make it to 90. During the service, family and friends were able to share their favorite memories and share the impact he left. 

I had two thoughts afterwards. One, everyone's takeaway is different. It was interesting to hear different people recollect the same event and have completely different experiences. And two, the impact he left on all those he encountered over his life were too numerous to count. 

My point is this...

The impact you leave on every soul you meet is different. Some impacts are smaller than others, while other impacts are larger than you'll ever know. What you may deem as a small interaction, you may have very well left a lasting impression. At the end of the day, you will be "just right" for those that need you the most. You won't be everything to everyone. And more importantly, you don't need to be. You will be exactly what some need, when they need it. You have been placed here and now for a reason. 

Mindful Monday: Let the Good Outweigh the Bad

I'd like to think that I've reached a stage in my life where I'm confident in my abilities, that I know who I am, and equally as important, who I am not.

 

Logically, I know I can't be everything to everyone. Logically, I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea. Logically, I know that I will not please everyone all the time. 

I know all of these things to be true. I fully accept these statements as facts. I'd even go as far as to say I'm evolved enough that I no longer please others over myself. 

So why it is the moment someone else critiques me, or points out a flaw, or doesn't agree with a decision I've made, I take it all so personally? Why I am quick to second guess myself? Why am I quick to take someone else's assessment of my situation as truth? 

The worst part is that the negative comments tend to linger. They play on repeat. 

Why is it that we let the bad outweighs the good? 

Why do we allow all the amazing lessons we've knocked out of the park to somehow no longer exist as soon as one lesson flops? Why after one upset parent do we second guess our impact regardless out how many positive phone calls and notes parents have gone out of their way to share with us? 

Well, no more! 

I say, drown out the negative with all of your amazingness. Remind yourself as often as needed about all the good you do every day, about the kindness you leave behind, about the lives you impact daily, and the hope you spread. 

Let the good be your narrative. Let the positive impact you have on others play on repeat in your head. Don't let that one negative interaction, that one bad day tell you otherwise. 

YOU. ARE. AMAZING. 

Mindful Monday: Two Most Powerful Words

Educators are some of the most optimistic and encouraging people I know. We believe in what could be, and strive to make a difference each day. We believe in our students, even when they don't always believe in themselves. We are the first to offer encouraging words when they struggle. And we are the best when it comes to giving multiple chances. 

So why is it, when it comes to us, we second guess ourselves? Why are we so hard on ourselves? Why are we quick to belittle our efforts if we don't meet our impossible standards? 

If we wouldn't talk to our loved ones with such harsh words, why do we willingly accept talking to ourselves this way?

Next time you question yourself, or doubt creeps in, next time you find yourself disappointed in how things played out, I plead with you to stop and think how you finish this sentence: I AM ___.

I am strong. 

I am capable. 

I am kind. 

I am worthy. 

I am enough. 

I challenge you to post these statements and read them aloud each and every day. Say it. Say it to yourself. And then say it louder. Say it one more time more clearly. Say it until you believe it. 

Mindful Monday: Just Because You Can

The start of a new year is often coupled with reflecting on lessons learned from the past year and resolutions of what you would like different for the new year. 

While I'm not big on resolutions, I absolutely believe in the power of reflection and learning from our experiences. 

With that thought, I am closing out 2021 with two glaring lessons learned.

     You can't do it all. So...make time for what is important. 

The quote, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should," speaks volumes to me. How often are we guilty of over committing or saying yes more than we'd like, only to make ourselves miserable? And let's face it, by saying yes to less desirable tasks, we're basically saying no to things we'd rather be doing.  

So with that thought, don't be afraid of saying no. And when no isn't an option, ask for help: help from your teammates, from colleagues down the hall or help from your spouse and loved ones. Kaci Nicole speaks to the benefit of allowing others to help you. (Read her full post here.) She says: 

1) You feel more known and supported

2) They experience the joy of helping

3) Together, you are even better

Others are happy to help, if only we get out of our own way and simply ask. Not to mention, we all bring different strengths and talents to the table. Let others help you shine in areas you may not excel in. And make sure your yeses match what is important to you, whether it be more time with loved ones, quiet time to yourself, or time spent doing what you love. 

Here's to a year where we say yes and mean it, where our time and priorities align, and we lean on each other for support and help. Because at the end of the day, we are better together.