For educators everywhere, the stretch between late October and Thanksgiving is akin to a survivor episode. Second only to March (read my book Practicing Presence for more on March meltdowns), this is when we are most likely to lose our sh_t. I apologize for the profanity, but if you can’t relate, just stop reading. The […]
Just about every day I wonder if I’m really making a difference. It helps to have some evidence that your thoughts, words and actions do indeed sometimes impact others. I have a file folder that I’ve labeled “Happy File” where I put notes, cards and other keepsakes that can quickly uplift my mood. I have […]
For educators and students everywhere, it’s the time of year when we have either more projects to complete or more to grade than we have hours in the day. One technique that works better than powering through fueled with too much sugar and frequent internet surfing or other distractions is the Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro […]
What if every Sunday you vowed to in some way reach out to one person that you’re grateful for in your life? My favorite gratitude practice in action was when Fred Rogerss accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. He modeled that we should always be acknowledging the people that have helped us become who we are. […]
Do you have someone in your life that triggers you, that hijacks your rational mind? Perhaps they look down on you, ignore you, or say disparaging things about you behind your back. Do you ever watch them change their demeanor when others are watching and hold court with only those they feel matter? Do you […]
The Trouble Is …You Think You Have Time We are all dying, every single one of us. At least our bodies are. But somehow, we spend our days like they are infinite, like this life will never end. We always think once I get done this, then I’ll start taking better care of myself. Once […]
Last week I presented a keynote in Ohio to a large group of educators- mostly administrators. I wanted to “knock it out of the park”. In the last 5 minutes of my presentation the slide deck on the power point presentation froze (as did my heart). The closing inspirational video that I spent hours creating […]
Last week I posted a mindfulness mantra. The feedback was interesting, but not unexpected. Every time I mention mindfulness, I typically hear a few common responses: • “Do you really think I have time in my day to sit and do nothing but focus on my breath?” • “I cannot stop my thoughts; my brain […]
In Practicing Presence, I lead with the following: It was March. Outside, I was greeted by dreary, gray skies and a constant drizzle. It was the kind of rain that makes you feel chilled to the bone. Inside, I felt equally dreary. I’ve gotten more accepting of March since I wrote that. I’ve accepted that […]
This year’s retreat award recipient is Laura Davis. Congratulations Laura! We have all heard the statistics related to how many teachers will leave the profession within their first five years of teaching. This is Laura’s fifth year teaching, and she was close to becoming part of that statistic this year. As a Head Start teacher, […]