According to Merriam-Webster, positivity is "the quality or state of being positive." There are so many road blocks and detours to the destination of a positive outlook. People are more stressed than ever, children and adults alike. Stress and countless demands on us are major road blocks. Other barriers include depression, pain, negative surroundings/people, and shortage of resources just to name a few.
If one were on a journey or treasure hunt to find positivity, what would it take to get there? Obviously hope and confidence are important prior to starting any journey. One needs to believe that he or she can and will get to his or her destination. Others might just need faith. Certain skills are also needed. Some of these might be prior knowledge, but others are learned along the way. A sense of decision making and/or guidance are key for reading and following directions of the map (people and environment). How does a person determine his or her compass? This tool makes for a safer journey. Resilience to all the obstacles one encounters would be helpful for a quicker and safer journey. For me personally, love and support our vital not only my destination, but my chance to live at positivity rather than just visit from time to time.
Not only is it important for us to achieve our treasure, but how can we go about helping others to positivity too? Just as negativity can spread, we can help positive mindsets breed better surroundings for all. I find it difficult to not get sucked into negativity when I am tired and stressed, and when we get a couple, family, or group of colleagues or students together who are being negative, a great deal of damage can be done. We must remind ourselves and each other not to cave in to this.
Many benefits exist for people who are positive thinkers. Mayo Clinic reports that benefits include increased life span, lower rates of depression, greater resistance to illness, and better coping skills during hardships and times of stress.
It is important to help each other to overcome barriers and obtain these gems to a better life. Many travelers can exist in this journey of life. Who we chose to be can make a difference. Being the guide, coach, leader, caregiver, lover, supporter, motivator, and/or warrior cannot only get you to your destination, but it can also assist others. Threats along the path can prevent a person from arriving as well as cause others to lose their way.
I will be trying my best to stay positive, to share my love, to offer support, and to fight evil along the way. Which traveler will you be?
Positivity Can Be Contagiously Rewarding: Negativity, Destroying
Monday, May 19, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
A Handwritten Thank You Note Can Go a Long Way
I must say that today I was worried when I received an envelop from a teacher. Her student gave it to her to give to me. There are a few things: a red blinking light on the phone, certain email alerts, and interoffice mail packages that make you hold your breath. However, I was pleasantly surprised to open the envelop to expose a handwritten thank you note.
I was thanked for doing my job. Actually, the way this parent has handled getting her child to learn from his mistakes is quite remarkable. I love it when a student can see the light go off and know why he or she shouldn't have done what he/she did, and most importantly that he or she take responsibility.
The note thanked me for "all" off my help and communication. She expressed her appreciation for my time, kindness, and guidance. She told me that she feels reassured knowing her son has me as his principal and mentor "as its obvious the kids, their welfare and learning is your first priority." While this is the case, my decisions somethings make students, parents, and even my own staff question that. Not everyone can be happy with all decisions. I will eventually come to terms with this.
However, this note triggered the many tidbits of appreciation I have received: successory slips from the students, emails from parents on how I handled a situation, a text from a peer thanking me for helping out with something, and even a boss's day card with the most reassuring comment are all pick-me-ups. It's sad how much we have lost our ability to write a quick note of appreciation. As I think how helpful they have been to me, I realize that I need to write more. I have several stakeholders that deserve the same courtesy.
We all know that education isn't about the thank you notes, but it is about the smiles, the light bulbs, and the progress made in the lives of the youth we service, but a little thank you note CAN go a long way. It is teacher appreciation week, so don't forget to thank someone in education for all he or she does. I am going to stop blogging, so I can write a few notes myself.........
I was thanked for doing my job. Actually, the way this parent has handled getting her child to learn from his mistakes is quite remarkable. I love it when a student can see the light go off and know why he or she shouldn't have done what he/she did, and most importantly that he or she take responsibility.
The note thanked me for "all" off my help and communication. She expressed her appreciation for my time, kindness, and guidance. She told me that she feels reassured knowing her son has me as his principal and mentor "as its obvious the kids, their welfare and learning is your first priority." While this is the case, my decisions somethings make students, parents, and even my own staff question that. Not everyone can be happy with all decisions. I will eventually come to terms with this.
However, this note triggered the many tidbits of appreciation I have received: successory slips from the students, emails from parents on how I handled a situation, a text from a peer thanking me for helping out with something, and even a boss's day card with the most reassuring comment are all pick-me-ups. It's sad how much we have lost our ability to write a quick note of appreciation. As I think how helpful they have been to me, I realize that I need to write more. I have several stakeholders that deserve the same courtesy.
We all know that education isn't about the thank you notes, but it is about the smiles, the light bulbs, and the progress made in the lives of the youth we service, but a little thank you note CAN go a long way. It is teacher appreciation week, so don't forget to thank someone in education for all he or she does. I am going to stop blogging, so I can write a few notes myself.........
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