It's going to work out. It almost always does. So, let's love ourselves and each other through the process of growing and evolving. One mosquito move at a time. One conversation at a time. One room at a time.
One Room at a Time
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.
Count on It
So, I'm counting on nothing but obstacles and the beautiful resilience and growth that comes from staying the course. I trust the process.
Reframing Fear
I had the honor of speaking with two different groups of professionals last week. I spoke with a room of child nutrition directors and the next day, I had the honor of speaking with roughly 150 pupil transportation directors. At the closing of my keynote, one of the transportation directors locked eyes with me. I... Continue Reading →
A Note for Beginners
In order to be good at anything, we have to first be willing to be a beginner. Any person who has accomplished anything in this world had a first day. So, if you find yourself in transition this summer, I thought I would write a few other reminders because it's easy to feel overwhelmed, insecure, and in a hurry quite frankly.
Cutting Corners
I've had the sense lately that maybe I've got a little too much on my plate. Not even necessarily just with work but with other commitments that I've made as well. As an Enneagram three ("The Achiever"), feeling like I'm growing and getting better every day is really important to me. I draw a sense... Continue Reading →
“Someone Help Me”
I'm simply asking us to pay attention. I'm asking us to pay attention to how we feel when we leave a live performance or a ceremony. There is a reason why we feel so alive, hopeful, inspired, and capable. There is nothing like a sense of belonging that stems from being "in it" with others. Let's find opportunities this summer to put away our phones and enjoy the magic of being in the moment with others. And perhaps let's be a bit better about asking for help next school year. It's not only a gift we will give to ourselves. It's the gift of neural synchronization for those around 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.
MEGHAN LAWSON 