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. 

What is your motto?

Often, within the walls of our school buildings, we do not take time to reflect on our interactions... specifically our interactions with colleagues. Many times, a quick comment in the hallway or an all-to-fast stop by a classroom is all we have. Are we really communicating to the best of our ability during this time? 

This makes me think of the lack of communication (actual communication) within text messages and on social media as well. Although we may think that our colleagues understand us, is that really the case? How are we truly viewed through the eyes of our colleagues? Would the answer be surprising? And, if so, would we be able to step back and reflect on their honest viewpoints? How would we handle that information? 

Does any of this really matter? Well, as I ponder that, I start to wonder how many of my colleagues truly know me... and my stance on education, my "philosophy" of education, so to speak. Do they know that I try my best every day to make ALL decisions based on what is best for student learning? Do they know that I strongly believe in public education as a means to serve not only our communities and states, but our world? Do they know that I think what they do, as teachers, is simply amazing? 

My goal is to start being more transparent with my thoughts and "motto's." It's likely that my colleagues at work do not even know why I do what I do... why I love my job and why I believe in this profession. I certainly do not know that about them. I am wondering what their "motto's" might be. Some, I am aware of because it is blatantly thrown around... but others, the really important ones, are not as transparent. What can I do to ensure that the good in the colleagues around me shines, rather than hides in the corner? Let's start the quest today. What is your motto?

The important things...

What a day to remember to not take the little things in life for granted. The important things. Life is precious. When really taking time to remember the important things in life, we often overlook the things that happen at school, during the work day. It is easy for my mind to wander to the boat days or the sunsets or even the rainbow I saw on a walk outside. But, really, what about during the work day?

When I think about those "little things" that we come across in the daily life of school counselor, the moments below come to mind:

• When a student "happens to stop by" and the conversation turns into just what they needed. 
• When the cooks have a little extra something to share from the cafeteria, oooo it's so good.
• When that really "tough cookie" has a breakthrough and shares insight.
• The funniest things that come from the mouths of the very little ones. 
• This week, it was, "But my brain just forgets to be nice!"
• When a student stands up for another student. 
• When students excitedly come with ideas about forming new counseling groups.
• This just happened.
• When students leave notes or draw pictures of "thanks."
• When the exact student you needed just happens to walk by, and you don't have to go look for them.
• When a morning meeting gets cancelled on just the day you needed the extra time. 
• When you have enough time to eat lunch sitting down. 
• .... what are important moments?

Why is it that we don't keep these things at the forefront of our minds? Why do our minds have to get so muddled with the less important information? 

Today, I'm going to take some time to step back; To get my priorities straight; To remember the most important things in this precious life.