Learner. Human. Joyologist.
So, in our efforts to commit to systems, processes, and structures that grow academic achievement, let's not forget to create an environment that is disciplined about noticing and nourishing the good in others. As Elizabeth Gilbert says in her book, Big Magic, “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them." Let's help people find them. And let's create an environment that helps us find the beauty in others too.
As we bring 2023 to a close, many of us will be focused on our own resolutions and that's wonderful. But I have to wonder if the way to truly create a new reality inside and outside of our schools is to start thinking about how we are going to grow and learn together. Less bounce. More super bounce.
As I say in Legacy of Learning, "Let's set the pressure of perfection, grand goals, and big gestures aside. Let's see the beauty in sunrises, smiles, kind words, and the people who simply show up every day." A legacy of seeing others more deeply. And perhaps in doing so, this life that we say is "flying by" will move just a smidge more slowly for us to relish.
I need to learn that trust that I am enough and doing enough and not everything is worth the same level of effort. And some of this stuff isn't worth much if any effort at all.
So, please give a little extra love this week. Please try to extend a little grace. There are little hearts and minds who are worried about what will happen while they are away from school. Sometimes attention seeking behavior is actually connection seeking behavior. And an escalated adult cannot deescalate a child.
And the only thing you control at the end of the day is you. So, you either change yourself or you change where you grow. These are our only options. But let's be thoughtful about who we build with in 2024.
We must learn to be our own champions in that way. We must learn to love ourselves through the process of learning and evolving. Not only because we deserve that but also because it's important to model that kind of self-love for others. I truly believe that this is a strategy for changing the world.
Before I knew it, I wasn't just playing kickball at recess, cutting tops off yogurts for kindergarteners, or walking through classrooms every day, I was falling more deeply into a sense of care, community, and us-ness with students and staff.
I wish every teacher could feel what that moment felt like to me. I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes from the book, Wonder, "I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives."
It's book launch day for Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact!
MEGHAN LAWSON 