In My Life

The other day, I was listening to the Beatles song "In My Life" and it hit a chord with me. In the song, John Lennon sings about the people, places, and memories that have shaped him. As educators, we have the opportunity to be a part of the lives of our students in a similar way. We have the power to shape their minds, inspire their hearts, and guide them on their journey through life. That itself is a powerful thought, especially in high school when memories made are carried forever.  All the more reason for us to realize our impact. As we connect with our students, we must remember that each one is unique and special in their own way. We should take the time to get to know them as individuals, and strive to understand their needs and interests. By doing so, we can create an environment where they feel safe, valued and respected. But connecting with students isn't just about getting to know them as individuals. It's also about providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. This means providing them with a challenging and engaging curriculum, encouraging them to take risks and learn from their mistakes, and being available to offer support and guidance when they need it. As educators, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students. We can inspire them to follow their dreams and reach their full potential. We are part of their story and we can positively shape them forever. To make a positive impact on the human condition is worthy of a pat on the back. With that thought, have a wonderful weekend. Go BEARS!…RiseUP! (cue Beatles - In My Life).

Until next time...

Time to Reflect

Over the Winter break I am allowed time to reflect on plenty of things. With all the craziness going on through the holidays, I kept coming back to one thought: Focus.  It is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves.  Stay focused on the task at hand, the people around us, the issues we can affect, and the life we want to lead. As large as those issues may seem, when we break them down to the root form, they become more simplistic. We should always focus on tasks we have in front of us and prioritize their importance.  We should take time for the people around us.  Those people in our families and those in our circle.  We should listen more. It is amazing the things we can hear when we just actively listen to those near us. We should focus on only the things we individually have the power to change.  Going beyond that simply adds to our stress. Handle what you can handle and let the rest go. Then finally, we should focus on the life we want to lead today, not tomorrow. If there is one thing that I do know, tomorrow is not a given. Personally, I wake every morning thankful I have been granted another day to get it right. With that gift, I try daily to work hard and be nice. Some days I fail miserably, and others I hit the mark, but the goal remains. With that, I wish you all a wonderful 2023 and that each of you find happiness in your own way everyday. On another note, is anyone up to help me build a boat? Have the most excellent weekend and stay dry. Go BEARS!…RiseUP! (cue Michael Franti - Work Hard and Be Nice).

Until next time...

Returning from Vacation

Returning to work after a vacation can be a difficult transition. It's normal to feel a sense of dread or even sadness as you say goodbye to the freedom and relaxation of time off. However, there are steps you can take to make the transition back to work a little easier.

First, try to ease yourself back into your work routine. If you've been away for a week or more, it can be overwhelming to jump straight back into your full workload. Consider starting with a half day or even just a few hours on your first day back. This will give you a chance to catch up on emails and adjust to being back in the office.

It can also be helpful to set aside some time before you return to work to get organized. This might involve updating your to-do list, reviewing any projects that you missed while you were away, and getting your workspace in order. By taking a few minutes to get organized, you'll be better prepared to tackle your workload once you return to the office.

One of the biggest challenges of returning to work after a vacation is dealing with the inevitable catch-up period. It's likely that you'll have a lot of work to do and a lot of people to catch up with, which can be overwhelming. To manage this, try to prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important ones first. It's also a good idea to ask your coworkers or manager for their help in prioritizing your workload.

If you're feeling anxious or stressed about returning to work, try to take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that it's normal to feel this way. It's okay to take a few days to adjust to being back in the office and getting back into your work routine. Remember to be kind to yourself and give yourself time to adjust.

Another way to make the transition back to work easier is to stay connected to the things that you enjoyed about your vacation. This might mean continuing to exercise or eat healthily, or even bringing back a souvenir or two to decorate your desk. These small reminders of your time away can help you feel more connected to your vacation and make your work environment feel a little brighter.

Finally, try to stay positive and focus on the things that you're looking forward to at work. This might include working on a new project, catching up with coworkers, or even just the sense of accomplishment that comes with getting back into a productive routine.

Returning to work after a vacation can be tough, but by taking small steps to ease yourself back into your work routine and staying positive, you can make the transition a little easier. Remember to be kind to yourself and give yourself time to adjust, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Until next time...