Our society uses technology in powerful ways to stay connected. Often times, too much of ourselves are pushed out in a notification, a photo, an opinion...and the idea of privacy has disappeared. The consequence of such a powerful tool is the development of worry in the mind. Am I good enough? Thin enough? Do I make enough money? Educated? Status? etc.
We need to take the time to stop, reflect in the moment, and be thankful for the small things that occur in our life. When this moment occurs, the worry slowly disappears and the anxiety that so frequently visits will find another host. Live for today, love with your whole heart, and never give up on your dreams. You have this one beautiful life to live. Live it to the fullest leaving the negative in the trash while uplifting yourself so that you can enjoy the good. |
Music has the power to release emotions of love, hate, frustration, anxiety, empathy, etc. You can get lost in the intricate words scripted with the melody of a violin, piano, guitar and drums.
Music genres are vast allowing the listener to enjoy a variety of sounds from hard rock, movie scores, meditation sounds, country, rap, pop, blues and so much more. Take the time to sit and listen to music. Allow it to wash over you releasing all that surrounds your mind and body. Use it to run a few miles, take a walk, sing to your child, or to close your eyes and ease your thoughts. |
We have become a society where we focus on others more than our own self. We are busy getting to work, raising children, doing homework, socializing, looking the part, lost in someone else's reality, etc.
We have stopped taking care of our self! One must find their center once more and realize that there are "non-negotiables" in our life. This simply means that you will not compromise your own personal mental, physical and emotional health to please others. If you cannot take care of your own self, then you are unable to care for others therefore lacking the ability to build strong and stable relationships. If you like Yoga, then make sure you attend 2 classes a week and don't let anything change that non negotiable of self care. If you like to get a massage or color your hair - again, take care of yourself and don't let others stand in the way. Once you begin to realize that you must take care of your own body first before anything else - then you will be a stronger and healthier YOU! |
I find myself in a situation where I am unsure I truly enjoy what I do anymore. I've been doing what I do for 16 years now. Is burn out even a thing? Should I do something different? If I leave, what would I do?
These questions plus many more are a jumbled mess in my head, yet I need to remember to keep them there finding the right atmosphere to share my thoughts. A student recently made a statement to me regarding my reactions to a situation that got me thinking about how I am sharing my words, my language, my attitude. I don't want to be a negative person nor be viewed as a sour individual, yet my thoughts that are in my head have come to the forefront releasing a toxin that is unhealthy for my students. In this moment, with my student, I realized that I can have a bad day, be frustrated, not like my job once and a while...but how I portray myself or speak my language makes an impact when I don't realize this. A reality check that hit me hard and I am thankful for this. Life is difficult, struggles are real - yet our reaction along with attitude is up to that said person. An important lesson indeed! |
The saying goes - Actions speak louder than words - and while I agree with this in the areas of honesty, work ethic, and attitude, I still ponder the 'actions' of those around me.
As a teacher I see how teenagers treat one another daily. From person to person interaction or the social media drama, I am curious to know why students act the way they do. To make ugly comments about another person... To like, share, to tweet something negative... To slander without cause... To laugh at another's expense... and it goes on and on. Grown adults who are 'citizens' in our society are equally to blame. From the 'Facebook Mom' drama, to the twitter fights over politics...and more...we live in a world where actions are scary, repulsive, and offensive. We need to refocus our thoughts and actions back into the direction of respect and privacy. Speak with a kind heart, check on someone who isn't having a good day and give them a hug, and seriously...we don't need to know everything going on in your world nor need to hear your opinion. Actions speak...what do your actions look like? |
Our world is struggling with a complex to be 'liked' and we have forgotten to like our self first and foremost.
Social media has pros and cons, but in the capacity of teaching I have seen many fall prey to the desire to be liked whether it be how someone looks, how they act, or the 'perfect' life they show through the many media outlets. Individuals in society have the world at their finger tips and they are hungry for the desire to be somebody, to have a following, perhaps even to be famous like the many celebrities they follow in the social media world. We have to be aware that not everyone will be famous, makes millions of dollars, will go down in history for something they did or didn't do. We need to focus on our self and the purpose of living life to its fullest with kindness, integrity, and moral growth. Only then will true happiness be found and instead of others 'liking' us, we in turn like our own self and that is what is most important! |
Homecoming 2019 - a year to reflect on the amazing spirit brought forth from the students of Ripon High.
As I watched the week of events, the dressing up, the competition, the excitement - I saw that when there is a positive mindset led with a strong spirit, it can be contagious. Others will feed off of this behavior joining in on the activities that are offered. Those who do have a happy spirit, who lead their life with purpose, will create the change that our world needs. Choose to be positive. Choose to be kind. Choose to be the change no matter where you are in life. |
We spend so much time in judgement, putting people down that have differences, throwing blame and unable to take responsibility for our own actions.
Why? Why do we spend such effort in negativity and hatred. It takes a lot of energy to focus on faults only to make our own self feel better. Instead lets take time to support one another, cheer, listen to our friends and family. You never know when that moment will truly help them. To live your life in support of others is monumental with building positive relationships that can last a lifetime. Be mindful of others while taking care of yourself. Support those that surround you. Stay positive. Happiness surrounds you when you live a life of integrity and when you choose to be genuine. |
Sometimes in leading a group of individuals in an event or activity can prove to be frustrating. There are those that work really hard and there are those who just stand around with little to no effort in the team activity.
Why is that so? Why are there people who are ok just watching rather than being a part of the team working for the greater good? This is a concept that is confusing and deeply aggravating. Perhaps there is a lack of awareness in ability or confusion on how to step in and help. Perhaps the skills have yet to be taught and the lesson hasn't been learned. Maybe... But if a TRUE leader has a desire to help others, is committed to doing more for their student body, family and friends, and puts forth their best effort - then there should never be an issue. |