Skip to main content

Secret of Life

What is it about some days that absolutely knock us down? When life hands me a particularly difficult day, I remind myself it's a reality check. Tough days happen so we are able to appreciate the good days more. How would we know what an awesome day felt like in the absence of a not so awesome day? In our work, we make mistakes. Sometimes, we make a lot of them.

In thinking about recent conversations, I've realized that one of the most common mistakes I've seen or even been a part of is the pressure to always do better, be better, do more, and become more. But what is better? What does more really mean? Why does that even matter?

I've decided there are secrets to life in these struggles. 

Reminders of sorts...
  • Appreciate the people in your world.
  • Appreciate where you are today even if it's a bad weather day. 
  • Mistakes are meant to teach you a lesson. Accept the instruction.
  • No one person is or can be perfect. Practice forgiveness in generous amounts. We all need some sometimes.
  • Stop. Breathe. Reflect. Look for goodness. It's there. It might be hiding behind that temporary black cloud. But, clouds eventually move. 
  • Celebrate how far you've come. Don't lose sight of today for the sake of tomorrow.

What secret of life would you add to this list?


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Growth Mindset

This will be a quick post likely full of errors and incomplete sentences. But, I feel a pressing need to get these thoughts to paper while: a) I have time  and b) I can still remember the pieces I want to connect I was given a great opportunity to work with Dr. Shawn Hunziker today. We've conducted some online book studies around Mindset by Carol Dweck. This past winter, we were invited to give a keynote to CSE Chairpersons ( BIG TIME for us) and that led to today's session with CNYSEA's Summer Institute .  On my way to the session, I was rehearsing notes (as I always do, see previous post ). At a stop sign near the venue where the conference was held, I pulled up in back of a car and noticed the neatest license plate: NEVRQT* I think that's how it was spelled. I tried to grab a picture but realized how creepy that would look and did not reshoot the blurry image I captured. When I arrived at the conference, I immediately told my partner, Sh...
18 comments
Read more

Shelf Life

I was getting teased by a friend about how long I had been working in my current position. "How long have you been there?" "Four years as Principal but 10 years in the district." "You do realize you've overstayed your welcome." "What?!" "Your shelf life. Most administrators only have 5-7 years in each position. You've passed that." That conversation was intended to be light hearted but it had me thinking hours later. We know that one of the most critical educational influences in a child's performance is an awesome teacher. But, right after that, we usually hear about the need for solid leadership. At the NASSP Principals' Institute, the suggestion was shared that principals might even share the top spot with teachers in determining success. The argument was great principals hire great teachers...they need each other. I still believe teachers make the most direct difference but I am aware of how interdependent bo...
12 comments
Read more

Gram

I am a member of the #compelledtribe. We are a blogging group that supports each other and writes in response to posted topics every so often. This week's topic is: Share a story about someone who loved you when you didn't expect it, earn it, or either deserve it. One of my biggest regrets in life is that my grandmother may not have fully known the impact she has had on me. I had the privilege of living next door to her for nearly 5 years. There were rituals she made me do with her. We watched ice skating every Sunday. We watched Wheel of Fortune most nights. On weekends, she sent me around town to different stores, by foot, with a shopping list for deals at each of them (based on the flyers). I had an odd fashion sense then and she was never afraid to tell me if I looked awful. My gram was the lady with the lavender sweater, lavender slacks, and lavender pumps. She matched. I sported a more Boy George inspired look that she never really understood or appreciated.  G...
11 comments
Read more