Sometimes we all need a "pick me up"

I have a few people in my corner lately who could use a message of resilience and strength. Often, especially lately, I have pondered that ever present phrase, "everything happens for a reason." There are times when I love this phrase, and times when I hate this phrase. Is it true? How do we know? I tend to "just believe" it when I'm feeling more optimistic. Then, there are days that aren't as bright so I do not always believe the phrase, or even want to hear it at all. 

Today, I needed to remind myself to step back and smell the roses. Through even the toughest of times, there are always opportunities to bloom. Choosing to bloom is the tough part! How can I help those around me who are struggling to bloom? What is the best way I can be supportive? I worry that I am not enough to help, but hope that I am enough to get them started. Here's to hoping!

Fear.

I just started a new book about the process our brains go through after trauma and what this looks like throughout a lifetime. There is a lot to it and this makes it even more terrifying to raise a child! I thought this little reminder about fear was a good one to remind ourselves when it seems like things are too difficult sometimes.

Thankful.

A fellow educator said something to me this week along the lines of, "I hate March. I just hate this month. It reminds me of.... " Now, I completely understand this chain of thoughts. There was a time when I never thought I could ever function again in the month of August or never go through "the 18th" of any month without wishing for another circumstance. However true that was, for a time, it was not something I wanted for my lifetime. I remember someone once telling me, "you can't hate every Monday, because if you do, you're wishing away 1/7th of your life!" That really hit home. So true. If we write off Mondays, or certain dates or entire months, then we are certain to have negative things continue during those times. We only see what we are looking for. I think, for my own sake, I need to write that again. We only see what we are looking for.

Today, through the head cold and craziness of testing season, I'm going to choose to be thankful. To shift my perspective and see only what I am thankful for. Yes, this may mean others think I am too positive (that has actually happened) or that I'm not being realistic (that too), but I believe it will simply make my day. Today, I'm thankful for this crazy life.