#CelebrateMonday
March 12, 2018
Don't you just LOVE daylight savings time??
No - not a fan of "springing forward" and losing that all important extra hour of sleep?
How about the light? That's what makes it all worth it to me! While I lament that lost hour of sleep, it is a small price for me to pay to have extra hours of daylight each day! While it may take me a little time to adjust, in the long run, this is so good! I don't know about you, but I am happier, more productive, and I know that this change means warmer temps, green grass and blossoming trees and flowers are on their way!
It's really about our state of mind and perspective!
And this can be the time of year when we really start to focus on the things that aren't right, are not going well, and are just absolute problems.
And that means it's the perfect time to put on our positivity pants and adjust our vision to see the possibilities that exist among all that feels like it isn't quite right.
Just like choosing to view that loss of sleep that comes with springing forward as something that will yield positive outcomes, we can choose to view the problems we encounter as having the potential for endless possibilities.
When we encounter that student who seems to want to do nothing but cause problems - can we look at him or her and see a possibility?
When we encounter that colleague with whom we do not easily get along or with whom we don't always agree, can we look at him or her and see the possibility of an opportunity to grow into a better version of ourselves by attempting positive exchanges?
When we encounter the problem of feeling overwhelmed by the work that we do, can we see the possibility of reaching out to our tribe for a sympathetic ear or to help carry the load?
And really - who wants that? Our students don't want that. They want us to be the most authentic version of ourselves. They want us to love them, care for them, and teach them - and seeing that we aren't perfect helps them know that it's okay that they aren't perfect either.
Our colleagues and those we lead (while sometimes giving the impression that they want perfection from a leader) don't want that either. Being led by someone who strives for authenticity instead of perfection gives permission to try new things and take the risk to become the teacher/worker/leader they are truly meant to be.
This work that we do is beautifully imperfect! It is full of obstacles, unexpected bumps in the road, and continuous change - but viewing those challenges as possibilities and approaching each with the intent to achieve authenticity rather than perfection gives meaning to the work we do and provides an incredible model for those around us!
Challenge yourself to look for the possibilities when you are tempted to focus on problems.
And when it's a struggle to put on your positivity pants, see the possibilities, and embrace opportunities for authenticity - reach out! Your tribe wants to support you in your journey to be as awesome as you can be!
Today, embrace the possibility that today can be the BEST Monday of the week!
Cheers!