Step Out of the Quicksand

When we graduate college, we have only worked with "textbook" problems. We haven't yet experienced the complex multi-faceted real-life situations that will face us.

When I walked across the graduation stage in 2010, I set out to change the world.  I wasn't exactly sure how, but I felt destined. 

And then...reality hit. And what a crushing blow reality can be. 

First, there's bureaucracy - a system that creates barriers for those with less.
Then, there are the naysayers - the people who discount your dreams and tell you "how it really is."
And lastly, there are so many problems - how can I change the world when SO much is wrong?

There are so many wonderful quotes about optimism.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."     Winston Churchill

 "Don't dig up in doubt what you planted in faith."     Elisabeth Elliot

"Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams."     Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Optimism has captured the attention of researchers.  They find that it may improve outcomes for health, lifespan, and life quality.  If this is true, then can't it surely improve outcomes for educators?  Yet, we as educators find ourselves drowning in the quicksand of pessimism. 

So where do I begin my journey of educational optimism?  It is a path riddled with bureaucracy, naysayers, and problems.  Here's are 3 points for a simple starting place.

1. Start with one daily affirmation.  Below are some choices.

• I am in charge of my happiness today.
• I will bring light and peace to others today.
• I will focus on what I can do today.
• I make mistakes and learn from them.

2. Start with one child.

• Choose a child that both pushes and pulls at you.  Here is what I mean...the child's behavior pushes you away but their emotional and/or social needs pull you in.  Focus on building a positive relationship with this one child.  Just one child.

3. Start with the 2 people closest to you at work.

• Share with them your goal to choose optimism.
• You need "wing men/women" to support you in your journey of educational optimism.

No, you're not too late to be optimistic.  You can start today.

Being optimistic doesn't mean you ignore the problems that poison society. It means you find happiness and joy in your choices in this journey of life.  You find peace and contentment in the light you bring to dark places. It means you intentionally remember your calling to be an educator and the greatness of that calling. 

Step out of the quicksand today. And step into optimism.

Winter Bulletin Board

There's "SNOW" many ways to be kind!