What is most important?

I am participating in the
Tuesday Slice of Life with Two Writing Teachers.
All participants are writing about one moment, one part of their day.

A big thank you to Two Writing Teachers for providing this unique opportunity

for teacher-writers to share and reflect.

My beloved colleague Connie came up to me and said, "I'm going to tell you something that is going to make you mad, and, here's the thing, you can be mad for a minute and then you are going to get over it and we are just going to get it done." I looked at her surprised, wide-eyed, perplexed - and then asked cautiously - "Well, what is it?"

Connie quickly told me what the problem was, and the necessary solution. I'm not sharing what the problem or situation was, because, honestly, it doesn't matter. Teaching days can be filled with problems like this. Suffice to say, it was annoying, and small, not a big deal.

Her preceding words echoed in my head: "...you can be mad for a minute and then you are going to get over it and we are just going to get it done."

I stared at her a moment and then I burst out laughing, amused by Connie's clear-eyed insight about me. I said "Well, let's skip my 'getting mad' part and just get down to it." We laughed together as we worked. And, yes, we got it done.

I want to celebrate Connie's approach with me.

She held a mirror up for me to see myself - and she did so in a caring and amusing way. She made me laugh about my own foibles. She was showing empathy and understanding for my expected frustration with her news, while simultaneously urging me to not get bogged down by my annoyance and, instead, stay focused on the larger goal and complete the task.

It was more important to get past my frustration and anger and to just shine in our work. 

I wonder how long I will carry this wisdom: don't let my anger keep me from doing what matters. Or, maybe I should state it this way: save my anger for that which matters. I know anger is a powerful tool for change...I don't need to squander it on the small stuff.

Stay focused.
Don't get bogged down by what doesn't matter.

Don't get distracted.

Keep on with my purpose.
Be joyful.


Thank you, Connie. Such powerful insight for me at the outset of a new school year!

Tuesday SOL: Why write today?

I am participating in the
Tuesday Slice of Life.
All participants are writing about one moment, one part of their day.

A big thank you to Two Writing Teachers for providing this unique opportunity

for teacher-writers to share and reflect.

Why write today?

Because.

Because it's Tuesday,

and Tuesday means slicing.

Because when I walked,

the ideas and reflections flowed, and 

I know there's stuff to share.

Because I shouldn't let yet another week go by,

without a slice.

Because I have a bit of time before heading to the airport,

for a week of summer vacation in Bryce Canyon,

with my three sons, 

and my husband,

how fun is that?

Because.

Because this year's end,

and perhaps every year's end,

was frustrating and exhilarating,

magical and exhausting.

Because of all of those end of year traditions-

water play,

field days,

music concerts,

Learning Showcase,

yearbooks,

finalized data,

report cards,

portfolios,

goodbyes,

packed boxes, and

closed up classroom.

Whew.

Because this year's end added one new tradition -

saying farewell to our first class of eighth graders,

our first promotion ceremony. 

Because,

although we began our school

with preschool through third grade, 

six years flew by, and 

third graders become eighth graders, and, 

these young adults walk across the stage,

(look closely, you can still see children)

these young adults walk across the stage,

and out the door,

to high school and beyond.

Because.

Because,

somehow,

we have built a school.

Because every school year needs closure.

This one,

most of all.

Happy summer!