Mindful Monday: It's Not About You

The calendar still says September, yet it might as well read November, because we are absolutely in the thick of it. 

When a student misbehaves, talks back, does exactly the opposite of what you've asked, it's frustrating to say the least. When it happens again and again, how could you not take it personally? But in reality, it's not about you. I'll say it again, it's not about you. Really, it's not. 

Behavior is a form of communication. And let's face it, sometimes our students aren't always clear as to what they are trying to communicate. So when things feel frustrating, "Pause, Breathe, and Smile". Take a moment, no matter how brief, to pause - stop your body and mind, take a breath - deep and slow, and make eye contact with someone and smile. Let this process ground you. The "PBS" strategy is short and simple, but very powerful. 

When second guessing yourself, I beg you to Pause, Breathe, and Smile. This quick practice will help you reset and hopefully remind you that it's not about you. It will give you a long enough pause to remember that you are making a difference regardless if you can't see your impact in the moment.