Mindful Monday: You're Making Ripples

One of the hardest parts about teaching is not always being able to see the fruits of our labor. The time and love each of you pours into this profession and ultimately our students is unmatched. And the growth we are striving for is not always obvious or apparent. But I assure you; I guarantee you; I know with every fiber of my being that you are in fact making a difference. 

"Just" is the worst word we use to describe ourselves. I'm "just" one person. I'm "just" a teacher. I'm "just" an educational assistant. 

It only takes ONE to make a difference. It only takes ONE person to change the course for our students. YOU are that ONE person. YOU are changing their lives for the better with each smile, each "hello", each high five, each "you got this", each second chance, and each "I believe in you". 

Years from now, whether it be one or ten, at least one of your students will look back on their time in school and think of you. They will reflect on the impact you made, and how you changed their life for the better. And regardless if they search you out to let you know, I'm thanking you now for making a difference. 

Thank you for showing up each day! Thank you for giving your best day in and day out! Thank you for never settling! And thank you for loving our students like your own!

Mindful Monday: Lucky Ducky

Teaching is very much a team effort. And it takes a team to set our students up for success. From all the teachers that had a hand in molding our students before us, to all that will play a part after us, each of us is a much needed piece to the puzzle. 

The best part about being on a team is that you don't have to be everything to everyone. In fact, we just need you to be you and play your part. 

We consider ourselves oh so lucky to have you a part of our Brushy Creek family! 

Thank you for showing up each day. Thank you for being there for our students. And thank you for your team effort to ensure our students' success. 

Mindful Monday: You Matter

On this marvelous Monday morning, my hope is that you identify with rubber duck #1. However, no one expects you to be at a "1" all the time. And if you don't find yourself at a #1 this morning, that's okay, too. Frankly, if you haven't identified with all 9 of these rubber ducks at some point this school year, then I'd question what world you're living in. 

The fact is, life is hard. Teaching is challenging. And teaching in 2022 is exhausting.  

While we can't function at a "9" indefinitely, we need to normalize being at a "9" occasionally. There are absolutely days where we are sinking and the water is engulfing us. 

It's okay to be "off". It's okay to struggle. It's okay to have a bad day or even an awful week. 

Feeling like a "5" from time to time is to be expectful. Feeling deflated, especially by April, is normal. 

To expect sunshine and rainbows all the time is unrealistic. And to pretend that everything is "just fine" is exhausting. 

I'm not asking you to pretend to be "fine". What I am challenging you is to own what number you are at. Acknowledge it. Give yourself the space and grace to be there. Just don't get stuck at any one feeling too long. We are terribly guilty of taking care of others and putting their needs before our own. I am asking you to think about yourself and what you need for once. I am asking you to take care of you. I am asking for you to put yourself first because YOU MATTER! You matter to the students that walk through your door each day. You matter to the parents that entrust you with their most precious gift. And you matter to both your friends and family inside and outside of this school building. 

P L E A S E...don't forget to put yourself first as we head towards the finish line. Don't do what it takes at all costs to make it to the end. Put yourself first, because YOU MATTER! 

Mindful Monday Message: Just Do It!

 ...you know you want to! 😉

I had such positive feedback about last week's Mindful Monday about normal being overrated that I thought I'd expand on that message. 

Society is quick to tell us what you "should" be doing, how you "should" be raising your kids, and what you "should" be spending your money on.  But at last check, society doesn't seem to have it all together. The way I see it, our society is barely holding it together. It seems that everyone else thinks they have a say in what you "should" be thinking, how you "should" be voting, etc, that their shoulds have turned into such judgement and hatred. 

Forget society. They certainly don't have it figured out. Quit following the line just because you have been told you are supposed to. Color outside the lines, start a new line of your own, and march to the beat of your own drum. 

DO YOU! Afterall, no one is better at knowing what YOU "should" do, than YOU! Don't listen to social media. Don't worry about what you think society thinks you should be doing with your life. 

If it makes you happy, do it! If it brings joy to your life, do it often! And if it brings joy to others, do it everyday! 

Nike says it best...Just Do It!