Recently, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in meaningful conversations with students and educators. I’ve hosted student town halls to listen to student perspectives about how we can enhance the student experience in our schools. I’ve sat with teachers who’ve engaged in Shadow a Student days. Their deep reflections and plans to make adjustments to next day instruction fill me with hope for the future of education. I’ve had the distinct honor of joining a leader who I deeply respect, Sean Gaillard, on his Principal Liner Notes podcast.
All of this thought-provoking stimulus comes at a good time for me. I’ve been struggling with feelings of discouragement and inadequacy. I’ve been emotional, tired, run down, and at times depleted. It is, after all, October in schools. The time of the year where the grind of our weekly schedule starts to get to us. It’s that time of the year when problems and perceived failures can feel louder and bigger than our wins.
As I mention in my upcoming book, Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact, one of the best gifts I give myself in times such as these is counterintuitive. I try to give to others that which I’m lacking. If I’m lacking connection, I try to create connection for others. If I’m lacking encouragement, I try to give encouragement to others. And somehow, someway, “Where is the love?” Turns into, “There is the love,” before my very eyes.
There is a quote reference by the poet David Whyte which says something along the lines of, “The antidote for exhaustion is not necessarily rest. The antidote for exhaustion is wholeheartedness.”
In recent moments with educators and students, I’ve been asking wholehearted questions that connect people with a greater purpose. For example, I love asking students what problems they want to solve. What impact do they hope to make on the world? If you want to feel inspired, ask kids this question. The responses from high school students were illuminating. High school students today may care more deeply about the world and others people than any other generation. It’s hope-giving.
As for the adults, I’ve been asking a new favorite question, “What do you love about your job?”
Most recently, I asked my nail technician who smiled as she took great care placing my top coat with her tiny brush, “I love to make people happy.”
I’m reminded of a scene from season 2 of The Bear when Richie asks the woman working the front of the Michelin star restaurant why she does it – because she’s clearly stressed and maxed out to the limit. She explains, “Every night we make someone’s day. That’s how I do this.”
And then there’s the infamous story of the brick layers. When asked what they were doing, the first explained, “I’m laying bricks.” The second replied, “I’m building a wall.” And the last exclaimed, “I’m building a cathedral.”
Every little moment we spend pouring into students and colleagues is a brick we lay for that beautiful cathedral of a better future for all of us. So, when it feels hopeless, thankless, and heavy, let’s give ourselves the rest we need. And when there seems to be no amount of rest that can give us the energy we need, let’s lean into wholeheartedness. Let’s be present with others and ask thoughtful questions. Let’s encourage them and nourish their greatest hopes for the positive impact they desire. Let’s celebrate their unique individual magic with specificity and a genuine spirit.
We didn’t come this far to come this far. So, let’s see the potential in small moves done with big heart.
Let’s keep trying.
MEGHAN LAWSON 
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