Your spirit shows...

I have been doing a lot of reflecting on my school counseling program as a whole. As a 4K - 12 school counselor, I have some amazing opportunities to connect and meld my program into one, larger entity that flows together. Because I am always wanting to do more and more, I struggle with all of the ideas that come my way - I want to do everything!

How does one pick and choose which great ideas to carry out?

After thinking about that question, I came upon this great little photo and quote. So true. At first, I could only see how this pertained to my personal life... but after considering it some more, it truly is an answer to that question: (How does one pick and choose which great ideas to carry out in a school counseling program?).

A school counseling program could be good if all of the wonderful ideas of the world were included, but those ideas are best carried out if they also blend with who we are as a school counselor, as a person. Ultimately, those things that I carry out with passion, with spirit, are the things that will be most successful. Rather than asking what more I can do, I should ask what more I can do with spirit! More is not always better. Less can be more, too.

Deep breath now. Don't be afraid to let go of some of the cool things that you think you want to do, especially if it doesn't mesh with who you are and the greater goals of your program. Build a program with spirit, not a program that is overflowing with things and ideas. :) All good reminders for me!

Simplicity in a chaotic world...

Some days, things can be overwhelming. Some days, things can be chaotic and difficult. But some days we must remember: it's simple. It can be simple, too. 

We are all difference-makers...

Sometimes I think back to my interactions throughout the day and wonder... did I say or do anything that will leave an impact? Good or bad, I suppose. Will a word or conversation strike someone the right way... or the wrong way? How can I be more mindful of every moment in order to remind myself that my students and fellow staff members are constantly impacted by what I say and do, even when I don't realize it? I know, I know... it's not all about ME. It's really not. But, the quote above truly resonates. I know for sure that I want to make a positive difference in the lives of my students and my colleagues. Am I? I guess they are the judge, and all I can do is to make sure I am at my best each day I come to work. Reflecting each day and asking the questions, "What touched me today? How did I impact others today?" is so important.

Off to set the reminder to remember to do this! I once heard a song that said something like, "I forgot to remember to forget..." Haha. Oh wow... happy Friday!

The truth behind that behavior...

And then there are those days when your heart is heavy for your students. The days you want to take them all home and keep them safe. Those days that turn into nights worrying about them, wondering what more you can do and hoping that their weekend is a smooth one. Those are the days that, despite the heaviness, I am reminded why I do what I do. It is important to take a step back and remember why. Really.

I do this job, not as just a job, but as a passion.

A few reasons why I love it:

1. My students keep me on my toes.
2. I truly believe in public education and the benefits for ALL.
3. To help figure out that story behind the misbehavior.
4. The diversity of issues and roles; although difficult, it provides an eclectic day!
5. What other job gives the opportunity to teach, advise, wipe away tears, run around like a fool during lunch duty, find clothes for those in need, stop at homes of kids you worry about, laugh with fellow colleagues and listen intently to a kindergartner's crazy story about a scratch on their finger all in the same day!?

How do you handle a rainy day?

I'd like to add a "#4" to the list! Today there was a MAJOR BLOWUP of smoothie that ended up ALL OVER my shirt, pants, shoes, computer, desk, chair, floor, garbage can, wall, etc. To put it short, I shook a full, open bottle of my breakfast smoothie. It ended up on everything, even in my eye and up my nose. As I sit here and pick flax seeds out of my hair, I can't help but laugh. It was a great day. And I'm not even headed home after work... which means I get to wear my smoothie filled clothing all night. Happy weekend, everyone!

How would you handle it?

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.