It's Okay to not be Okay

The other day I was meeting with some teachers and the subject of teacher ‘burnout’ came up.  No doubt, the pandemic has not been kind to teachers.  Educators work hard and are very unique in that we are always trying to find ways to improve.  Because of this, we often don’t leave time for rest and recovery.  We push through to the next break and then we rest. Many times, we fall to the ‘teacher sickness’ getting sick during vacation time (Just regular sickness like we had in the good ol’ days pre-COVID, because regular sickness still exists). Knowing this, it is important to remember that you are more than just your job.  Yes, being an educator is part of your identity, however, there are other parts also.  It is important to give attention and care to you.  When you are less than 100%, you can’t give 100%, and it is okay to not be okay. Our roles are demanding in that students need us. Let us not forget that they are successful because of what we do. So this weekend, take the time for yourself to enjoy what you love.  Take in the beautiful weather over this 3-day weekend. Enjoy the Super Bowl commercials and laugh. Laughter is the best medicine we have to battle the burnout. Have a restful weekend...Go BEARS! (cue Jackson Browne - Running on Empty).

Until next time...

Positive Intentions

On the way to work today I began to think about the idea of positive intentions.  Many of us go about our day-to-day affairs with the goal of completing the task in front of us. Our intent is to not hurt anybody or to make anyone upset. I can acknowledge that I have blinders on at times.  For example, my intent was not to cut that person off on the road when I changed lanes. I was simply just trying to change lanes. If I could extend an apology for my actions, I would do so.  Knowing my flaws, I really do try to presume positive intentions of others. It is my hope that each of us can do the same in our daily lives. We need to give each other the benefit of the doubt from time to time.  Be more accepting and less rejecting. I am going to always err on the better side of humanity. I have a belief in the inherent goodness of people, including our students. The great majority of our students do not want to get into any trouble.  The first thought in their head is not, “How can I get into trouble at school today?”  Poor choices and poor influences are contributors however, we can overcome those influences.  The perseverance of meaningful interaction will turn the tide.  We just need to remain positive when it is most difficult to do so. 

Until next time...

An Attentive Ear

The end of January is here and with it some really great weather. I always look forward to getting outside, as I absolutely love the warm afternoons.  The weather is perfect for planning outdoor excursions with my family. When on a trip or outing, I do what my parents did with me in the car. We often talk about what the soundtrack would be if we were in a movie. My love of music was born from the car trips I had with my family as a youngster.  Even though I was stuck in the middle of the backseat between my older brother and sister, I enjoyed those trips. Listening to the Casey Kasem Top 40 countdown gave me plenty of music to build a really great soundtrack.  That is why my weekly update usually has a ‘cue’ at the bottom.  It is the soundtrack for the piece.  Music can touch us all.  It transcends most all boundaries and can transport us immediately back to a memory.  Many times in our busy days, we hear the music but don’t really listen. Music is just as powerful as words and the impact can be just as large. Isn’t the difference just an attentive ear?  I’ll let you decide.  (cue Andra Day- Rise Up).

Until next time...

Life Goals

Friday has arrived and another week of January is behind us. As we all continue to find ourselves in the middle of the pandemic, we must remember that this is a very difficult time for everyone. Coping can be difficult. For me, I try to focus on what I can control, which is my emotions and my actions.  That, of course, has not always been the case but I have tried to improve personally and professionally in that category.  Years ago, I committed to three goals in my life: To be the best father I can be; to be the best husband I can be; and to be the best human I can be.  Recently, I added to those daily goals after I recovered from a near death experience with COVID-19. I added, “Be Upright”. Though there are days that I fail miserably at all, my daily goals remain. With those failures, I have learned to pause, consider the impact of my actions, apologize when needed, reflect, and most of all make it right. This personal reflection I believe has made me a better educator. I wish you all a most excellent weekend…Go BEARS! (cue Josh Radin - Brand New Day).

Until next time...

Looking on the Bright Side

We have made it to the end of another week and it is astounding how quickly it passed.  As the ‘new guy’ on campus, I have much to learn. Sometimes I feel like I am drinking through a fire hose. Though that is the case, I will always look on the bright side, at least I am hydrated. All kidding aside, the return from break is always a tough one but this one started even more difficult. The loss of one of our students will always be taken horribly.  Delivering condolences on behalf of the staff was my role and though I have done it before, it always stays with me. The words of the father will forever resonate in my head with the question “Did I do enough?” It is impossible to have a conversation like that and not be affected.  People matter. Connections matter. Differences among us all are reduced to trivial when tragedy strikes. Having said that, take a moment to reach out to a student or colleague today and say a kind word or two. You just never know the impact you may have. Have an outstanding Friday and an even better 3-day weekend. Go BEARS!(cue Cranberries, Linger)

Until next time...

You Never Know...

Hall of Fame recording artist Billy Joel credits his high school music history teacher for his success.  As a sophomore at Hicksville High School, his music history teacher, Mr. Chuck Arnold was inspired by the skill Billy Joel had playing the piano. As Billy Joel describes it, one day while fooling around on a piano, playing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor, Op. 23, Mr. Arnold noticed his talent and made a very simple comment.  He told Billy Joel that with his talent, he could be a professional musician. Previous to that moment, Billy Joel had never thought about music that way and credits Mr. Arnold for giving him his start in the music industry. Moral of this story:  You never know the impact your words can have on a student.

Until next time...

TGIF

How many times do we hear the acronym TGIF?  Originating in 1965 with the restaurant chain TGI Friday’s, it was popularized and shortened to TGIF in 1978 with the release of the movie “Thank God It’s Friday”.  Now the acronym is popularized in many ways, but it still stands for the same thing. It stands as a banner message to signify the end of a grinding week and the beginning of the weekend. We have all heard the message of TGIF and we all understand the sentiment.  That being the case, I would challenge you to use TGIF as a time to reflect.  Instead of seeing TGIF as a phrase to celebrate the end of the week, see it as a few words:  Trust, Grateful, Inspired, Fun. By plugging in those words we can then ask ourselves the following questions in reflection of the week:

T - What did you Trust in this week?

G - What were you Grateful for this week?

I - What Inspired you this week?

F - What was Fun this week?

Of course, the ‘What’ can always be interchanged by ‘Who’.  By framing the acronym into these simple questions, one can completely change their state of mind and become more reflective.  Have a phenomenal weekend...Go PUPS! (cue Cranberries, Linger).

Until next time...