Learner. Human. Joyologist.
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.
So, I'm counting on nothing but obstacles and the beautiful resilience and growth that comes from staying the course. I trust the process.
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 →
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.
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 →
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is what I mean by being gentle with ourselves. Maybe stop being so hard on yourself. We can push ourselves and hold ourselves to high expectations without shaming and blaming ourselves. OK, so maybe you wished you had handled that situation differently. Maybe you wished you had eaten better yesterday. Maybe you didn't get all of your steps in or didn't get all of your papers graded.
MEGHAN LAWSON 