Find your Voice

Anthony DeMello, in his book Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality, writes about how our feelings are based on our perceptions and so many of the issues in society and our own world are related to faulty thinking. I've read this book most nights for quite a while, so needles to say this wasn't my first time reading the following particular passage:

"say your thing and get out of here. And if they profit, that's fine, and if they don't, too bad!"

Maybe my mind was open enough at this time, or maybe it just takes several repetitions to get a message through a thick skull, but whatever the reason, this passage resonated last night. "Say your thing," and go on. One mustn't worry whether the message is received as it certainly will be heard by some and ignored by others. We must strive to let the world hear our voice and not bury it for fear of rejection or not being heard. The world deserves that and so do each one of us.

Prior knowledge

An article in the NY Times recently highlighted for me the vast differences that can occur among children as far as background and prior knowledge is concerned. When students come to us with this wide difference, it certainly makes it imperative to attempt to get these children experiences that will enable them to have the background to succeed. It is a quick read and should make those of us in better circumstances grateful for the environment in which we grew up.

Happy New Day

Wow! Yesterday certainly flew by and by the time I noticed, I was at home away from a computer and didn't post. While this was intended for New Year's Day, it certainly makes sense every other day of the year. Wait, maybe I actually did plan that as a way of making a point. Then again, that would have been too clever and didn't happen.

The title comes from a passage in a little daily reminder book I read. As many begin the new year with resolutions to change this coming year, this phrase reminds us that change comes about day by day. Commitment to taking action each and every day is the only way to bring about change over a longer term.

I am also reminded of an article about Chris Mullin (One Day at a Time) that I believe ran in Sports Illustrated several years ago. It told the story of Mullin, now a former NBA star, was dealing with his alcoholism. Committing to a course of action for this particular day seems easier than thinking about doing it over a longer period of time, even a lifetime. It's a little like eating the elephant one bite at a time. 

As you look forward to positive change in your life and work, what are you going to do today to begin moving toward that goal? Good luck and Happy New Day.

All is well

This thought came from a short article I read this morning about looking at the world as "fundamentally good." Each year, the PCSD#2 board hosts a Christmas gathering for staff and spouse/guest. A great meal is served and everyone seems to have a good time and enjoy the camaraderie. The thought that all is fundamentally good resounds around the holidays and is something we could keep in mind throughout the year. I am certain that at various times throughout our work and relationships, each of us is confronted with people or issues that challenge us. Reminding ourselves that while we may have different philosophies, values, and ideas, the world is fundamentally good for the most part and the challenge becomes to find that goodness and commonality and build on it.

Help

"Accepting help is not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity to further our progress."

As I was reading a daily meditation book I like to look at each day, this quote struck me as something that could apply not only to one's personal life, but to our professional lives as well. You may have heard it said that many schools have individual "silos" within which each teacher closes his or her door and teaches the curriculum. I've seen colleagues unwilling to ask for help and continue doing what they have always done even if evidence points to a need for change.

However, if we look at it from a different angle, without help, none of us would be where we are today. We needed help when we were young in order to survive, then later to learn. Considering that many, if not most, of us are working for someone else, we needed help to get the job we have. Asking for help can certainly help us learn more quickly, which in turn provides us with the skills and knowledge to succeed. Sometimes all we need is a small change or bit of knowledge to grow exponentially.

Now, I know men are notorious for NOT asking for help. I'm coming to realize that this may do more to slow down progress than just biting the bullet and asking. Just don't tell my wife I admitted that.