Learner. Human. Joyologist.
This morning I listened to Tara Martin's most recent episode on her podcast, "Something about Nothing." Inspired by the children's book, "All about Nothing" by Elizabeth Rusch and Elizabeth Goss, Tara talks about the benefit of having "nothing" in our schedule in our work and lives. I was struck by so many of the beautiful... Continue Reading →
There is no perfect person or perfect impact and there doesn't need to be. Think of the people who have impacted you mostly profoundly. Were they perfect? No. Did you care that they weren't? No. You knew they cared about you, believed in you, and supported you.
One of the best things we can do for students is to spend time being truly present with them. Enjoy them, connect with them, encourage them, grow their skills, and celebrate them. Nourish their unique gifts and talents and help them believe deeply in themselves and their ability to make a positive difference. Our students are our hope. But they need hope themselves. Hope that tomorrow can be better than today and that they will have the skills necessary to make tomorrow better than today.
We are allowed to work this way. We might need to do a little work to create systems that make that possible, but we are allowed to work this way. In fact, it's how we work best. Wherever we are, we are at our best when we are all there. Wishing you more moments of peace and presence during this challenging time in the school year. Keep going. We need you.
We are never too young or too low in position to make a positive impact on others. When everyone does their part, the work gets better.
Words matter in a big way. We are tired. We are overwhelmed. When we commit to using language and strategies in conversations and meetings that leave people feeling lighter and more capable, the work gets better. When our work can feel more inquisitive and playful, there is room for deeper thinking and reflection. Isn't that what we all want for adult and kid learners alike? Critical thinking and meaningful reflection? A small tweak in our language and approach can open the door for more rich dialogue.
My hope for all of us is that we are brave enough to ask big questions of ourselves and the world. As Adam Grant says, "We laugh at people who still use Windows 95, yet we still cling to the opinions we formed in 1995." Writing is a great strategy for growing our thinking and humanity.
The world will continue to change but one thing will remain: the need for human connection. So, while we learn about all of the amazing things our technology can do to make life more convenient or the ways it can help us tell stories, let's not forget the power of stories told around campfires. Let's not forget the power of seeing and listening to other people during in-person conversations and classroom lessons. That cannot be replaced.
Many of us feel helpless right now with the state of the world. We want to make things better. We see a shortage of educators. This saddens many of us who understand that it's teachers who give us hope for this world. But what do we do? While there are certainly systemic issues to be addressed, what do we, as individuals, do to make a difference for educators right now? Quite simply, we can let them know the positive impact that have made on us. We let them know when they are making a positive difference in the lives of our own children. Nothing bad can come from sharing with great specificity the tremendous impact our teachers are making. You just never know if that thoughtful card or kind word will give a teacher the energy they need to try again tomorrow.
I know one thing for sure - it's how we show up for ourselves and each other that really matters in the end. What a beautiful opportunity we have to impact the world through small moments with others. Let's treat others and these moments like they are special. Because they are.
MEGHAN LAWSON 