Our thoughts shape our world...

This just really hit home today... so I had to share the three things I have been thinking about most since the morning Holiday Staff Gathering. We had breakfast in for everyone, provided a time to socialize, smile, laugh and be together. The standard crowd came, it was a great way to start the day. In the back of my mind I cannot help but think about those who did not come. The act of not coming was more than just a lack of time (no other meetings were taking place - well, other than maybe the meeting of the negative minds). I guess I'll let the words below speak their truth; and I'll continue to forge forward, being the best that I can be each and every day. Breathe in, breathe out. Happy Holidays!

Compliment, anyone?

I was searching for something positive to write about today because the "griping bug" caught me. I don't typically have lunch in the teachers lounge because of the nature of the discussion. I leave there feeling like griping! That happened today. A good reminder to use my lunch time more effectively. :)

Right after this negative dicussion, I had to hurry to teach a lesson. The lesson involves compliments, and is one of my favorite of the year! I love the video below. What a tribute to the compliment. It reminds me of my mom, who taught me the true art of complimenting. She even has packets of sticky notes with messages on the notes that she pre-writes. She'll carry them with her or keep them in her car. Each time she gets somewhere new, she'll put a random sticky note on someone's car window, or the door to the grocery store. The messages always come with a smiley face and say something like, "You're awesome! Have a great day!" How cool is that!? 

Today my students teamed up to get and receive compliments. Afterward, one 4th grade boy turned to me with tears running down his face and said, "I told my partner that if it weren't for him when I moved here, I'm not sure what I would have done. He's the best friend a guy could have!" 

Yet another reason I love what I do. People are good. Kids are good. Life is good.