Thanksgiving Musings

As the leaves turn from vibrant hues to a crunchy carpet beneath our feet, the air grows crisp and filled with the tantalizing aroma of pumpkin pie, and the festive spirit of Thanksgiving begins to permeate our lives. This joyous occasion, marked by family gatherings, culinary delights, and a whole lot of gratitude, is a time to reflect on the blessings we hold dear and celebrate the simple pleasures of life. But before we get lost in the whirlwind of turkey prep, mashed potato debates, or what type of pie is the best, let's take a moment to lighten the mood with some musings about the day. 

This year, I plan on waking early to tackle my own personal 10k- Turkey Trot.  I know later in the day I will be indulging in the culinary masterpieces of the season, so I am going to start the day with a bit of physical activity. If you don’t want to go it alone, there are plenty of community-organized races in local towns and they are all classified as a Turkey Trot. Once the Turkey Trot is over, it is time to visit with family and friends. Enter the mashed potato debate. Should they be smooth and creamy, or should they retain their rustic charm with a few lumps?  Should they have the skins or be peeled?  Butter only or add sour cream.  Every time I think I have heard all the different recipes, I hear another that I want to try. However, don’t even get me started on the stuffing, because both end up on my Thanksgiving table.  In my house, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. 

After a hearty Thanksgiving meal, the inevitable food coma sets in. This blissful state of post-feast relaxation is a hallmark of the holiday, a time when we succumb to the comforting drowsiness induced by our overindulgence. This is when the blessing of coffee is needed.  Not just any coffee, but the bitter black goodness that sticks to your insides. I know, I know, not everyone likes their coffee this way.  So I do leave a coffee bar of select sweeteners and flavored creams for the guests. 

The most important component of the Thanksgiving holiday is partaking in moderation. There is nothing worse than the sense of guilt over our culinary indulgences. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, let's use this as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Give yourself a break and enjoy the feast just add a vow to kickstart your fitness routine and banish those lingering guilt pangs. Remember, Thanksgiving is a time for joy, gratitude, and togetherness. So let's embrace the festivities, indulge in the culinary delights, and cherish the memories we create with loved ones. Just don't forget to add a dash of lightheartedness to the mix, because laughter and joy are the perfect spices for any Thanksgiving feast.

Until next time…

Reclaiming Health

I am in the editing phase of my new book titled Reclaiming Health.  I find the process to be cathartic because the words on the page allow me to purge my thoughts and emotions. With weight gain and weight loss, there is no shortage of emotions.  The great part of the whole process is the emotion.  Emotion is inspiring.

However, before anyone can effectively inspire and support others on their weight loss journey, it's essential to take a moment to reflect on the transformational impact of your own experience.  For me, the journey has been a profound shift, not just in my physical well-being, but in my sense of self, my confidence, and my outlook on life. I truly have reclaimed my health. 

For those of you on a weight loss journey, think back to where you started, the doubts, the challenges, and the small victories that accumulated into a remarkable transformation. Remember how you felt when you realized you could achieve your goals, break down barriers, and emerge stronger and healthier. These memories are your source of inspiration and motivation. They remind you of the incredible potential that resides within each of us.

For me, I have a desire to pay it forward and to inspire change in others. I found that as I lost weight, others around me became supportive. Everyone understands the difficulty of losing weight.  My desire to inspire often stems from the profound realization that my own journey was made possible through the support and encouragement of others. Someone, somewhere, played a role in motivating me, whether it was a friend, a family member, or perhaps even a book or a community that shared my challenges or experiences. This support gave me the strength to persevere, and I have the opportunity to become that source of strength for others. Pay it forward.

Helping others achieve their weight loss goals becomes a natural extension of my journey.  I wrote the book Reclaiming Health to show people how I did it. It's a way to give back, to share the wisdom and knowledge I gained along the way.  Maybe I can be the one to empower someone else to transform their life. As I do, I will reinforce my commitment to maintaining my own healthier lifestyle. It becomes a continuous cycle of positive change. For that, count me in.

Until next time...

Active Listening

In the realm of impactful mentoring, accessibility stands as one of the fundamental pillars of success. Making yourself readily available for questions and discussions is a cornerstone of a mentor's role. The simple act of being accessible has far-reaching implications in nurturing trust, fostering a supportive environment, and propelling the growth of mentees. Being available is the start, but listening to understand is where the impact is made. In the words of the American psychologist Carl Rogers, "Being listened to is so close to being loved that most people cannot tell the difference." When mentors make themselves accessible to their mentees, they are sending a powerful message that they care, they are willing to listen, and they are invested in their mentees' development. This availability isn't just physical; it's also about being emotionally present, providing a safe space for open dialogue, and actively engaging in meaningful discussions. A critical aspect of accessibility is building trust and rapport. Trust is the cornerstone of effective mentoring relationships. When mentors are consistently available and approachable, mentees are more likely to open up, share their challenges and aspirations, and seek guidance. This open and honest communication builds a foundation of trust that allows the mentorship to flourish. Mentors who are accessible also set an example for their mentees. They model the behavior they want to see, encouraging mentees to be open, communicative, and receptive to feedback. This contributes to the overall well-being and success of the mentee, both professionally and personally. This will create ripples throughout the organization.

Until next time...

Post-Halloween

Alright, so Halloween is over and now it's time to reflect on the aftermath. Post-Halloween brings a mix of emotions.  We may have relief that the spooky season is behind us, but also a tinge of sadness that the costumes and candy are packed away for another year. The kids are certainly sad to see it go though as adults, we understand the Holiday Season is now upon us. 

Now that we've survived the sugar rush and haunted houses, it's time to embrace the cozy vibes of the Holiday Season's arrival. The crisp air, colorful leaves, and pumpkin-spiced everything are here to stay. That is the case in my house! It's the perfect opportunity to curl up with a warm drink, binge-watch some great movies, or if you are anything link me, pick up a classic (I can recommend Hemingway's Old Man and The Sea). Whatever your passion, it is time to enjoy the beauty of nature's transformation.

But let's not forget about those leftover Halloween candies. Whether you're sneaking them from your kids' stash or indulging in your own secret stash, there's always something satisfying about enjoying a sweet treat post-Halloween. Just do yourself a favor and do not overindulge. A month of great strides in weight loss can be reversed with Snickers, Twix, and Kit Kat. 

As we bid farewell to Halloween for another year, let's cherish the memories made and look forward to what lies ahead. Thanksgiving feasts, holiday decorations, and winter festivities are just around the corner. So let's embrace the post-Halloween lull and look forward to the joyous moments yet to come!

Until next time...

There is a Time to Dance

The idea that there is a time for everything, even a time to dance, can be aptly illustrated through the movie "Footloose" (Herbert Ross, 1984). In this film, the protagonist, Ren McCormack, moves to a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned due to conservative beliefs. Ren challenges this cultural norm and fights for the right to dance, advocating for the importance of self-expression, freedom, and joy.

As a school leader, embracing the philosophy of "Footloose" can serve as a reminder that while there will always be new challenges and learning experiences, there is also a need to find moments of celebration and joy. Just as Ren took a stand for dancing in the face of adversity, school leaders should recognize that amidst continuous learning and problem-solving, there are times to celebrate achievements, build camaraderie, and promote a positive atmosphere within the school community. This balanced approach acknowledges the importance of addressing new challenges while also fostering an environment where people can come together, celebrate accomplishments, and enjoy the journey.

Just remember, there is a time to dance.

Until next time...

Moving On

I have been using the Weekly Bytes in my career for over 15 years. As said in the tag line above, it is “communication to keep us all connected”.  Whether it is through the opening musing, the review of the week, the list of future events, or the fun bits of trivia, the attempt is always to keep us connected. When I began pondering the idea of the end of my weekly newsletter, as I will be headed to the District Office, I realized I was incorrect in my assumption.  I began to think about how many times I do not know what is happening at the other secondary sites. We have very little knowledge of the other sites, their events, their announcements, or anything.  We simply know those sites exist. It shouldn’t be that way therefore, as I embark upon my new role as Director of Secondary Education, I will continue to send out my Weekly Bytes. Truly it will be communication meant to keep us ALL connected.  All means ALL. I will continue to bore you with my weekly musing or deep thoughts.  I will continue to challenge you with my trivia and my hope is that the three of you that play along will continue. I will continue to try and inspire a smile or a warm thought or two. I will, I will, I will. Blah, Blah, Blah. Enough said. With this being my last of the 2022-23 school year, I simply want to wish you a wonderful and safe summer break.  May you rest and recharge ready for your return in August. See you in 2023-24. Have an outstanding summer break…RiseUP! (cue Summer  — the Cars).

Until next time...

Crazy Train

With the end of every academic year, I always take a moment of personal inventory. It helps me to slow the pace down. Many times, my mind lands on the incredible impact we make in the lives of our students. Whether you are in the classroom where the rubber meets the road, or in a supportive role, you have made an impact. In the classroom, you have poured your heart into lessons and graded some less than adequate work along the way. Frustrations aside, you showed up daily and served as an inspiration to students in ways you will not know. You have given inspiration and guidance for students that are sometimes not the most accepting. By reaching under the chin of each student and clicking on the light bulb in their head, you ignited the potential within them to continue a journey of lifelong learning. Later in life as our students reflect on their time in school, they will understand the pivotal role you played in shaping their lives. A school year is like a roller coaster. It is fast paced with some ups and downs.  There may even be a loop-de-loop on the track, but you stay the course with students and hope you don’t lose anything along the way. They may not remember the details of the subject taught, but they will remember the impact you made as you helped them grow not only academically, but emotionally and socially. Just as we can all remember roller coasters that were a blast to ride, we compartmentalize by not thinking about the long line before the ride.  Students will do the same. They will remember the ride. So as we approach the end of the ride, take pride in the fact that you have conquered this one. As every roller coaster car pulls into the start house, the riders have plenty of mixed emotions. Some are jacked and can’t wait to go again, in fact, they are begging the operator to stay in the car.  Some are terrified, want out, and will never return. Most however, had a fun ride, are relieved it is over, and after their stomach settles, will stand in line to do it again. As this car pulls into the start house, take some time to settle, rest, and reflect on the year. This is a time when we can celebrate the finish.  The end justifies the means. May you find fulfillment and pride in the impact you have made this year. Hang in there, we have one week to go. Have a tremendous weekend. Go BEARS!…RiseUP! (cue Crazy Train — Ozzy Osbourne).

Until next time...