Working...
Happy New Year!!!
I once listened to a TED Talk in which the speaker introduced (and urged listeners to explore) the idea that everyone can assign their own new year at their own designated time. This intrigued me because as a teacher, January 1st never seems like the beginning of a new year; conversely, it feels like the exact middle of a year. For several reasons, I never feel motivated to make big changes in January. One reason is that January is still entrenched in cold, dark winter, during which I just want to snuggle by a fire and read. Another reason is that January is the beginning of the second semester, which, to me, is more of a continuation than a hard reset. For these reasons, my new year starts on the first day of school. I celebrate not with noise makers, funny glasses, fireworks, or an extravagant party that drags into the early morning hours. Instead, my new year is rung in by school bells, water bottles galore, banging locker doors, new class rosters, and fresh materials and supplies. Soooooo, Happy New Year, everyone! Let's make it a good GREAT one!
It's the little things...
Little things can be big things. This seems paradoxical or contradictory, but it's true. Whenever you feel that you should do something kind for someone, don't dismiss that inclination. Take the time to do it! It may take just a few seconds out of your day or temporarily divert your attention, but what you think of as a small thing, can be a huge deal to the person on the receiving end of your action. At the end of the day, you will not regret making that kind gesture. You may, however, regret not doing it if you find out later that you could have made all the difference but decided a small thing wasn't that big of a deal. Just something to keep in mind. I've been on the receiving end of some "small" gestures, but they have come at a time when I really need them. Thanks to everyone who has done "small things;" you've made a big difference.