And when the work feels like it’s more than we can bear, too much for us to handle, perhaps we have overcomplicated things, and we need to get back to who we (collectively) were meant to be. Back to what we value. Together.
Who We’re Meant to Be
Let’s Be Sunflowers
Let’s not forget to acknowledge the good. Not just the good around us but the good within us too. And to trust what we know is right and good in our hearts.
Look for the Helpers
Life right now is tiring and overwhelming. But I’m reminded of this story from Fred Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”’
Deeply Human Learning
We are human. The variables are endless. Perhaps we should give ourselves, others, and situations the room to be. Room where much can be true.
Waypower + Willpower
Saying we need to "do better" does not create a path forward. It might inspire some to try by throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. For others, it might feel scary and cause them to shutdown. Either way, it's unfair to expect people to lean on willpower alone.
Hope is THE Strategy
And collective hope may have saved my life as kid. There are people who say hope is not a strategy. But I think, hope is THE strategy.
Fully Present
In the meantime, may we all simply work to be fully where are our feet are planted. May we offer others our fullest presence and attention. And may others feel this from us in small ways. Whether it's putting our phone away, asking thoughtful questions that allow us understand more clearly what is said, or remembering to follow up on little details shared with us.
No Magic Wand
The best way to stay encouraged and engaged in processes that take time is to spend time noticing and celebrating how far we have come versus how far have to go. As I mention in Legacy of Learning, this is how we keep our brains motivated when the work is cognitively demanding.
That Time of Year
Instead of putting too much pressure on ourselves to execute perfectly these last couple of weeks, let's extend deep care to ourselves, our students, and each other.
Bruised Apples
All I know is that it felt special to have someone looking out for me that day. And I see educators looking out for kids in so many ways in our schools too. Perhaps they are extending kindness to students that one special person extended to them when they themselves were in school. And that's the ripple effect. That's a legacy of learning.
MEGHAN LAWSON 