Stuck in a Bad Spot? Search for the Good Around You.
Take Pen to Paper: Edition 23
“Is he even smart?”
The question was asked in a skeptical tone.
The principal was asking about one of my students. A student whose name he couldn’t recall. How could a child with so many behavior problems be smart? His question revealed how little he knew of the students in my class, students with disabilities.
It broke my heart. The student was twice exceptional, emotionally disabled, and gifted.
Sadly, it’s not unusual for administrators to provide only the required support for programs such as mine. I consider myself lucky to have worked with some of the most supportive. This principal wasn’t one of them.
I began to dread going to work, even though I loved my job.
Being able to see the good things in my class kept me going. My students were learning. They were also teaching me. A day didn’t go by that I couldn’t find something to smile about. I could see good things happening.
The ability to see the good helps us to tune out the naysayers spouting doom and gloom. (Believe me, that can be hard sometimes.)
The ability to see the good around us gives us hope. It can be good we control or good others control.
With practice, you can learn to be the voice of the good, helping others to be hopeful.
7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good
Seven years ago, I posted a weekly picture on FaceBook in a series I titled “Fun at School.” The photo above is from when we learned ‘qu’ for quilt and quiet.
I’m grateful for the support I did have when working in schools with unsupportive administrators. When I left the job in the story above, I also left fantastic coworkers who were there for me every day.
A quote: “You shouldn’t give circumstances the power to rouse anger, for they don’t care at all.” -Marcus Aurelius
I’m grateful for words of encouragement. I branched out and took a painting class last week🎨. I probably wouldn’t have completed my picture without the encouraging words of the instructor and my classmates. My painting didn’t turn out as I had hoped. 🖼
In times of great tragedy, we see moments of good. Reading about the devastating earthquake in Turkey, I found this article on how earthquake rescues are executed.
Even at the worst times in my job, I never stopped hoping I could change the situation. I knew it might mean finding another teaching position. This article helps explain how hope keeps you moving forward.
My step-niece is one of the most positive people I know. She’s also a great writer. Check out her new adventure! She’s hiking the Appalachian Trail.🎒🚶♀️
Thanks for reading!
I hope this newsletter finds you in a good place. Stay positive and encourage others. Your hopefulness will make a difference.
Do you have a positive topic you would like me to write about? Leave me a comment! I will reply.
❤
Susan