It’s Back-to-School Time, lovelies.
My favorite time of the year.
It’s a time for new sneakers, fresh notebooks, and all of the sharpened pencils a girl can dream of.
I suppose as a teacher, it’s in my blood to feel this way. My internal clock seems to tick according to unit plans, projects, and semesters.
Yet while this euphoric New-School-Year-feel inevitably fades, I remind myself that its positive message should not be forgotten.
As students, as teachers, as parents, neighbors, and friends, we are constantly planting seeds, Dear Reader.
In all that we do.
A new school year brings hope. It oozes possibility from its pores. It tells us that we have another chance to learn.
Another chance for good.
As a teacher, I aim to plant seeds of positivity. I may never directly experience the sweet fragrance of their blossoms, but I choose to believe they will one day thrive beneath a bold and brilliant sun.
It’s in the little things: listening patiently; celebrating small victories; admitting I was wrong; giving a genuine laugh.
I want others to feel valued, no matter how they make me feel.
Some days this is hard to remember. In an effort to make a difference I give it all I have, and sometimes that leaves me feeling whipped and worthless. Is anyone even listening?
But you’ve gotta keep digging, Snap. Keep planting. Keep believing.
Because otherwise we’ve let the dry and seemingly-barren soil win. We abandon possibility because it seems futile.
It feels meaningless.
But it is not, love.
Everyday, each of us has a choice.
In the classroom, at the workplace, at the dinner table or coffee shop, the only thing we can control is ourselves.
Will we offer a smile, even when we’re feeling beat?
Will we show compassion, even when faced with belligerence?
Will we greet each day as another opportunity for love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of knowledge?
I hope so, Dear Reader.
I hope.
. . .
What are some of your favorite ways to spread positivity, Dear Reader?
How do you stay positive when negativity seems to be around every corner?
Muy Bella. Reminds me of someone. Actually, nope. Just you 😀
Thanks, Alexandra. What a kind thing to say. 🕊
I just remember there’s always tomorrow; this is temporary.
I try to spread positivity by being an open ear; being receptive. It can be draining as an empath, but it’s my nature.
You’re right, Scherezade. Being an empath is a double-edged sword. Thanks for your comment, friend. 🕊
I make the effort to compliment strangers, or ask about how they’re doing. It isn’t a huge thing, but saying to the cashier “I love your smile – you’ve brightened my day” makes their day better. It makes my day better. And that gets added drop by deop, to the cumulative love bucket.
“The Cumulative Love Bucket”! I’m obsessed. 💜
Thanks for your comment, Liz. 🕊
Ya know? I’ve had the best convos with ppl like that after starting this blog. Practice does make damn near perfect. The older women seem to already know this so now I’ma just do it too.
💜💜💜
I wish, I should get positivity like this. I am facing a lot of problem these days, don’t know how to handle all these situation.
I’m sorry to hear that, friend. Hang in there. It might feel impossible, but brighter days are ahead. Thank you for being here. 🕊
I am waiting for the brighter days
What activities help you feel better?
Right now nothing helps me to feel better!
I’m sorry, friend.
We can at least try. 🙂
That’s right, Anasylvi! We gotta keep trying. Thanks for reading. 🕊
I’m not a posi/nega+tive type of person as I merely go with the flow with its usual benefits and drawbacks, but there’s a Cinderella’s spell to stay positive – “Love” for whoever or whatever positive !
Great point! I do think it’s okay to “feel your feelings” as they say. We’re all going to have rough times. It’s okay to feel angry, sad, or resentful. But I always want it to pass. I want my default setting to be happy and hopeful. 🕊
And thanks for your comment, friend. 🕊
I’m an educator too, and what I’ve found when someone reacts badly is that, well, they are still learning. Having this mindset helps me feel compassion and empathy rather than frustration and anger
You’re so right! It’s all a part of learning and growing. Thanks for your comment, and for your work in education, Kristen. 🕊
Morning, Snapdragon. I don’t know what happened. I left a comment when this was first published but then didn’t find it when I went back to look again. Anyway, I totally relate to this. I’ve been in education for so long that I feel like my life is made up of a series of semesters. There’s a “fall” part of my life and a “spring” part. This is beautifully written and really inspirational. In the end, we really can only control those things that are within us. We do are best, give as much as we can, and then hope that things work out. Thanks very much for this piece!
Thanks so much, Troy: for your kind words and for your work in education! 🕊
When things are bad, I remember my mom’s famous words, “This, too, shall pass.” I remember that I’m valuable, whether I feel bad or good.
When things are good, I thank God for life, blessings, and love; and I try to make someone around me feel valuable. (Like on my kids’ birthdays: https://saralivingfree.com/2019/01/10/you-are-not-forgotten-god-sees-you-part-one/)
Thanks for your comment, friend. You’re absolutely right: This too, shall pass. 🕊
Great booster. Hoping to hear more from you.
Thanks, friend! 🕊
I stay positive by reading blog posts like yours 🙂 Thank you for giving hope!
Thank you so much for your kind words, friend! Be well. 🕊