Mindful Monday: Life's Nudges

The last month of school is plenty challenging without life getting in the way. And yet, life seems to be funny that way - throwing you curveballs when your plate feels plenty full. 

Here's my noticing, I am a fairly determined person, some may even call me stubborn. It would seem as though I need a curveball to the back of my head on occasion to help me see what isn't working for me or perhaps to alert me to something I would have never previously considered. While the initial hit stings, the "nudge" is usually for the better. (You gotta love hindsight!)

So, next time a curveball is sent your way, acknowledge the sting, be upset, mourn what is no longer. Then, reframe and realize that you are not in fact in control and maybe, just maybe, this "nudge" is a new window opening to amazing things that lie ahead for you.

Mindful Monday: Legacy

Not sure if you have ever given it much thought, I know I hadn't, but did you know there are three different kinds of legacies we leave behind? The first two types of legacy are the more obvious ones: your biological legacy-if you have children, and the legacy of your possessions-the physical things you leave behind. However, research shows that the most impactful legacy you can leave is the legacy of your values-the lasting impression you leave on those around you. 

The gravity of last week's question, "What kind of a person do you want to be?" was not lost on me. This is probably the most important question we can ask because it impacts the very essence of our being, and it is directly tied to our leagay. 

Our legacy is being created right here and now. It is not based on a single grand event nor is it hinging on us making a breakthrough discovery. Our name doesn't have to be Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, or Nelson Mandela to create a lasting impact. Our legacy is something we're creating every day, in the ways that we show up for others.  Our legacy is the culmination of who we decide to be every day. Our legacy is the accumulation of each and every act of kindness we show. 

How people remember you will be your greatest legacy. And guess what? The legacy each and everyone of you are leaving behind is unmatched! Thank you for choosing to be someone that cares, for making the daily choice to show up for our students, for choosing to give second chances and for choosing to see the good. 

Mindful Monday: Who Do You Want to Be?

Too many times in my teaching career I've done ​some version of a project with my students about what they want to be when they grow up. I’ve participated in career days. ​I​'ve ​l​ed discussions and activities about future job possibilities. However, I wonder if we’ve been asking the wrong question this whole time? 

Instead of what they want to be when they grow up, perhaps we should be asking ​who they want to be, what kind of a person they want to be when they grow up. Maybe we should be focusing less on wanting to be a doctor to potentially make "a lot of money" and focus on being somebody that works hard and helps others. 

​But here’s the thing, being a hard worker, being somebody who’s confident, or being brave doesn’t just happen. You don’t just wake up one day and magically you’re optimistic or all the sudden you’re reliable. You become these​ based on all the individual actions and choices you make​ every day.

Here's the good news! We can work on and develop our character traits at any stage in life from age 7 to age 77. We’re never too young nor too old to work towards being the best version of ourselves. 

Here's to knowing who we want to be and taking steps in that direction each and every day!

Mindful Monday: More Than a Score

If students can be more than test scores, so can their teachers. 

With state testing happening over the course of the next few weeks, know that your hard work will pay off. Regardless of what one test shows, your students are better off because of you. Your students feel loved. They know they can do hard things. They know you’re there to cheer them on, and they feel safe. They know all these things to be true because of YOU!

Yes, I fully realize we are in the business of educating children and helping them grow academically. However, not one college nor one boss will ever ask what they scored on their 3rd grade reading test. Instead, they will want to know if they are willing to try new things, if they can work together with their peers, and if they can persevere when things get hard. And guess what? The answer to those questions will be YES...all because of YOU! 

If you are looking to calm a few nerves today before the first day of testing tomorrow, consider sharing these videos with your students. 

This Test Does Not Define You (My Personal Favorite!!!)

5 Tips for Dealing with Test Anxiety (for kids)

Headspace: Let Go of Stress