Finding peace
in each individual moment...
“Having spent the better part of my life trying either to relive the past or experience the future before it arrives, I have come to believe that in between these two extremes is peace.” – Author Unknown
As we enter August it is natural to find ourselves counting the last days of summer. To be honest, for many years August was not my favorite month for that very reason.
It was usually during that month that my “teacher's nightmares” started. If you are in education or at some point in your life you were, you probably know what I am talking about.
The scenario commonly revolves around an out of control classroom filled with students (insert the grade level you worked with). My dreams included a chaotic library with students and staff as far as I could see, all looking for help and I was unable to get to anyone. Books are flying (literally) in the air, iPads and computers are malfunctioning and I can’t find my schedule or my lesson plans.
In real life our nightmares very rarely become our reality…In fact I’ve heard the definition of anxiety described as obsessing about what hasn’t happened yet and depression as obsessing about what has already happened - neither of which are healthy.
For me this is just another reason to focus on the present moment instead.
This week we celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary by going out to our favorite local supper club. It is a rare treat when the three of us can do that and this summer, I am especially grateful to share special moments like that with my husband and son.
For many years we went for Friday night fish fries at this same restaurant, with one of us usually splitting a meal with our young son.
This week our waitress recalled those occasions. She found herself in disbelief, (as I have sometimes) that our son is a high school graduate. Now he is more than capable of finishing his own meal!
As we sat by the beautiful dining room window, at a table we have sat at many times before, I soaked in the moments instead of rushing through them.
Watching the hummingbirds darting around the feeders, looking out at the lake, listening to our son describe the latest book he is reading, splitting a death-by-chocolate dessert with my husband, enjoying my beautiful meal…and each other…while soaking it all in.
Later in the evening I thought about the many Augusts that I spent counting down the days instead of really enjoying them.
Every life has a unique path and for many years I found myself engrossed by my teaching career (as do many in education). Unfortunately it is a career that requires a lot out of a person. Looking back I didn’t realize at the time how much of my personal life, and my identity, revolved around my work and how unhealthy that really was.
Now my path is going in a different direction, working part-time in a church office, allowing me to spend more quality time with my family, and being able to pursue my personal dreams…like writing this newsletter…
I am very grateful.
As writer Leo Buscalgia once said, “Life is a great and wondrous mystery and the only thing we know we have for sure is what is right here, right now. Don’t miss it.”
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Tranquil Moments…
I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here’s this week’s:
This week’s Smile Video
Dexter, a bipedal Brittany spaniel, was badly injured in an accident as a puppy — but grew to adapt. Steve Hartman has his story in "On the Road."
#believe #stevehartman #smilevideos
What I am reading…
This week I am re-reading one of my all-time favorite children’s novels, Wonder by R.J. Palacio.
The Amazon summary is as follows: “I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Beginning from Auggie’s point of view and expanding to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others, the perspectives converge to form a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope.
R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.”
Auggie speaks for all of the marginalized kids throughout time. Words can hurt or they can heal…The choice is ours to make.
Wonder shows us how.
Supporting one another…
I absolutely love this clip from the 2011 primetime Emmy Awards. It’s a great example of women supporting one another instead of tearing each other down. The emotions are real and this clip will make you both laugh and cry…a real gem…
This Week’s TED Talk - I Choose To Be Happy
Lizzie is living with a syndrome so rare that it remains undiagnosed. There are just three people in the world, including her, who are known to have it. Currently 23 years old, she weighs only around 60 pounds. She has been featured on The Today Show, Dr. Drew, Entertainment Tonight, and the Bobby Bones Show, and is the author of two books. While living with her condition has caused tremendous challenges, Lizzie calls it the "greatest blessing of her life." She has embarked on an inspiring journey to redefine beauty.
Children’s Corner
Back in 1999, when I was an elementary school librarian, I started a project where I wrote letters (old fashioned, printed letters) to a variety of famous people. This was prior to the daily use of email and text messages. My questions were simple…
1) From your own life experiences, how has reading affected your life in a positive manner?
2) Was there any particular person or experience in your life that made you aware of the value of literature and the importance of reading?
I am going to share these letters and let you experience the joy many of my students (and myself) have gotten from their touching words - Here is this week’s:
Music Moments
Music inspires me in many ways. Lately I have been going back to the music of my youth. Here is one of my favorites:
Quote of the week
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….