The Flying Machine

The middle of May is upon us and as the school year nears the end, the stress is mounting.  Students are looking toward summer and staff are just searching for a break. During stressful times, it is so important for us all to understand, this too shall pass.  Hall of Fame recording artist James Taylor had a song ‘Fire and Rain’ in which he sings about several of life’s struggles. In the  third verse of the song, he sings about a band he was once in called “The Flying Machine''.  The band obviously was not successful and in the final line, he sings, “Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground.” The point is that stress and failure are a part of life.  James Taylor could have given up, and we would have all missed out of decades of his iconic music. He chose to persevere and now is part of musical history. The message in all this is that as educators, we get tired, stressed, and overwhelmed at times, but our obligation is to keep hope alive for our students.  We really don’t know which ones will turn out to be the next James Taylor, but we do know they are all somebody and want to be somebody.  That is really all that needs to be said. Take some time this weekend to enjoy the outdoors. The weather will be warm and beautiful.…Go BEARS!…RiseUP! (cue James Taylor – Fire and Rain).

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Thirds

With every week that goes by, we move closer to the last day of school and we all know that is when things begin to become more frantic. Finishing the year strong is merged almost seamlessly with planning for next year. That is part of the reason why things are so rushed and busy for all of us. Add to the mix the family obligations, and we have the potential for significant fatigue. Part of my philosophy on life is the idea of thirds. If taken generally, we spend a third of our twenty-four hour day at work, a third at recreation or leisure, and the final third at rest or sleep. For any of us, if those thirds collide or overlap, there is potential for conflict or stress. This is not to say that we need to compartmentalize our lives as such, but we should be cognizant of the idea. If our rest is interrupted by our leisure activities, we will no doubt feel the impact at work. You get the idea. Therefore, it is important to take the time and have focused intention in all three parts. Get rest, take care of family needs, and only then, can you have complete focus at work. If you are somewhere thinking about something else then you are not 100% devoted to the task. The concept is simple, half of your attention is only half of your intention. That will make what you are trying to accomplish so much more difficult. With that food for thought, I wish you all a fantastic weekend. Rest, recreate, and refresh for the week ahead.  The weather will be perfect for it…Go BEARS!…Rise UP! (cue Cars – Shake It Up).

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You Matter

As we come to the end of April, we find ourselves starting the end of the year push to the finish. This is the time that is a bit more stressful with State testing and students turning in tons of work that needs to be graded. Just a bit more hurried. During this busy time, it is important to slow down and reflect on how much you matter. You matter as a person, a professional, and as a mentor to our students. As a matter of fact, there is plenty of data to support how much you do matter. Studies have shown that students perceived increased teacher support showed corresponding decreases in depressive symptoms and increases in self-esteem. Couple that with the studies that show the positive relationship you build with students can overcome the influence of a negative home environment. WOW! Your impact can be significant. Being an educator is not easy and the reward is not realized until some idle Saturday when you run into a former student in the grocery store. For those that have had this pleasure, that student will walk up to you and tell you how much you influenced their life for the better.  There are few gifts greater than that. You are changing lives. Have a glorious weekend…Go BEARS!…RiseUP! (cue Manic Monday – Bangles).

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Sisyphus

Now that Spring Break has passed, it is the time for all educators to buckle up for the final push. This can be the most impactful time for our students though it sometimes feels like we are repeating the same phrases: Get your work turned in, study more, read your study guide, and others similar. Do you ever feel like you are living the Greek Tragedy of Sisyphus that is found in Homer’s Iliad?  Though you may not remember every detail of the story, you remember the visual of Sisyphus pushing the big boulder up the hill.  As soon as he neared the top, the boulder would roll back down to the bottom. This action was to be repeated for eternity as was the design by Zeus. So my question is, why didn’t Sisyphus just quit?  The backstory is that Zeus wouldn’t let him. Though Sisyphus was sentenced for eternity, there was hope that Zues would allow him to push the boulder over the hill, freeing him from the sentence. The power of HOPE. As educators, we are often repeating things over and over again.  Though this is the case, we have to remember to keep hope alive for all. When all hope is lost, then true tragedy is realized. Hang in there and keep pushing the rock up the hill. Have a wonderful weekend…Go BEARS!…RiseUP! (cue Lean On Me – Bill Withers).

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Helping Hand

This week, I celebrated another birthday and every year as the annual day approaches, I always find myself being more and more secretive. This is not for the idea of tacking on another year, but for the awkwardness I feel being showered with kindness just because I was born. It always makes me feel a little uncomfortable. This year, my secret got out and eventually the kind gestures were delivered. I began to reflect on that feeling I experienced and began to strategize how I can repay the kindness or live up to the respect that has been directed my way. My mind trailed off onto many different tangents. It didn’t take long before I mentally slowed and stopped on the basic idea of kindness.  Kindness doesn’t need a response.  Just as I stopped to help the milk delivery person that dumped crates of milk off his hand truck.  I rushed over and began helping him pick them up. He told me I didn’t have to do it, which is exactly the point.  I didn’t have to, but I wanted to.  He was alone trying to frantically pick up three crates of chocolate milk that was dumped over and strewn about.  I helped because I wanted to do so. It was the kind thing to do. If I can inspire others to do the same, then this world will be a better place. With that thought, I wish you all a wonderful Spring Break. Be exceptional! Have a great week…RiseUP! (cue Stand By You – Rachel Platten).

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Chamber Dinner

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Chamber of Commerce community service awards dinner. It was nice seeing so many people being the best version of themselves.  By saying the best version, I am in no way implying that the people are in some way fake or not ‘real’ at other times.  Quite the contrary. All of the people that presented, were acknowledged, or award winners, had a common thread. They were just real down to earth people. They weren’t signing a shoe contract or attempting to sell any of us an endorsed product. They were, however, devoted to their community and giving what they could to make it better. They are ‘in the game’. Involved. Trying to make a difference. Sometimes failing at the attempt, but trying nonetheless. Tirelessly. I was humbled. For me, events like these are great motivators.  They invigorate me and challenge me to be better. I try on a daily basis to be ‘more than’ and not ‘less than’ at work and at home. Each of us have versions of ourselves, the good and the bad. Which version do you see in the mirror? Last night on the way home I had time to reflect. I reaffirmed my belief and steadfast decision to be ‘more than’. I leave you with that thought…have a great weekend…RiseUP! (cue This Is It – Kenny Loggins).

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Time in a Bottle

The other day my wife and kids were in the drive-through at the local fast food restaurant. My son called me just before they were ready to order, to ask if I would like anything. I told him “I would like something” At this point, I could hear my wife beginning the order in the background as my son said, “Dad wants something”.  I knew the next question before it was asked. Frustrated by the time crunch of waiting for me on the phone, my wife then asked, “What does your Dad want?”  I said, “Tell Mom I want a large bottle of time.”  My son responded with “What?”  My wife overheard then said, “Oh my gosh!” She followed with, “He isn’t getting anything!”  As I laughed, I thought to myself, wouldn’t it be great if we really could capture time in a bottle? Just have it to spend wisely or savor like an excellent meal. Time is so precious. If you are anything like me, it is wasted on ridiculous pursuits. I often don’t have enough minutes in the day yet, upon review with hindsight, I know where I can do better or try to be better with time. Being better is not always pressing my nose to the grindstone, so to speak.  It means taking the time to talk less, listen more, and share my time with those around me. With that sentiment, I hope you have a joyous weekend…RiseUP! (cue Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce – Jim Croce).

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