Page 14 of 77

Posted on

Life Lessons Learned from 40 Years of Teaching

I had no idea what a wild ride teaching would be for me. It allowed me to travel the world, develop life-long friendships, and learn life-changing lessons. I hope I was able to teach my children half as much as what they taught me. Here are a few of the life lessons I learned.

Respect is so important. At the beginning of each school year, I spoke with my students about what my expectations were. In that conversation I mentioned how important respect was to me. I told them I would show them respect and I expected the same in return. Respect means to me that you see the value in someone. You appreciate who they are and how the person behaves, and what the person does to help you.

Everyone wants to feel valued, and respect is a step in that direction.

Never give up on someone. I remember working so hard with one boy, but he couldn’t seem to understand the concepts I was showing him. His final exam would determine whether he passed or failed, and I was worried about him. He told me before the exam he had studied everything, and he thought he was ready. As I graded his exam, I realized that something had clicked for him. He passed! You never know when someone is a blink away from success.

Relationships are key. I realized that relationships were more important than my material when I was teaching in Massachusetts at a boarding school. The connections I made there with students continue today and are more important to me than how much of my subject they remember.

Relationships mean memories. At my last school, I held a Christmas dinner at school for all the families and students in the French program. It was a chance for everyone to come together as a family, and the memories from those events will always make me smile. One night, a family brought a small piano and after dinner, we played and sang Christmas carols.

I also enjoyed cleaning up after dinner. After all the chaos of the dinner, it was nice to have some quiet. The janitor, Daniel, would help me carry the dirty dishes to the teacher’s lounge, and he helped me wash them and put them away. It was always so pleasant to spend that time with him.  

Positivity can change an outcome. On the first day of school, I always spoke with my students about the power of positivity. I told them they needed to stop saying things like, “I’ll probably fail.” They needed to use positive phrases. I had a demonstration using positivity and negativity that was always effective. I continued to show them what positivity could do throughout the year, but the best moment was in my fourth period A.P. class when everyone was hungry. I said, “I’m going to walk into the teacher’s lounge and there is going to be a huge pizza sitting there. (Anything out on the table was for sharing.) I walked into the lounge and there was a huge pizza. I walked back into my room laughing to shouts of, “No way!”

Be an encourager. Everyone needs a cheerleader. Lift people up with encouraging words or a smile. The effect can be amazing.

Keep a sense of humor. There are days when it seems as if nothing is going right. Those are the days you should laugh and hope that things change for the better. It doesn’t do any good to let the hard moments pull you down. If you can laugh in the middle of a mess you might teach someone else to do the same and it is a valuable skill to know.

Be kind. You have no idea what burden someone is carrying, so give some grace when someone acts a little off and offer help when you can. At my last school, we were allowed to pray with our students, so I always asked for prayer requests before we started. That allowed me to see if someone was struggling and why.   

Find your marigolds. We all need a few people we know we can count on to be kind and to be on our side. Those are your marigolds, and they are precious.

Teach more than your subject. Life is so much more than how well someone can memorize facts. Students are watching you as a role model. You have the power to teach some valuable lessons about being a good human being.

Be a safe haven. I received two compliments which I value above all else because they told me that I was accomplishing something that was very important to me. The first was from a sub who sat in my class until I had to leave for a dentist appointment. The next day she was at lunch, and she said, “I have never felt such a presence of God in a classroom before.” The second was last year when a former student went to dinner with me and said, “You were a safe haven for so many of us.” Those two comments mean the world to me because I think everyone needs a safe place to land.

Don’t strive for balance. Maybe someone has figured out how to balance a full-time job and a family, but we were living in chaos most of the time, but it was a happy chaos. If your house is messy and your laundry isn’t always done, give yourself grace.

Ask for help. Delegate some tasks to others and ask for help when you are overwhelmed.

Accept different perceptions. People see things differently and need different approaches to understand certain things. Try to accept those different views.

Have fun. Probably the most important point is to have fun with what you do. Enjoy the moments.

Posted on

The Glory of a Snowday

Do you remember when you were little and the excitement when it snowed? I grew up in the Berkshire mountains where New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have a common boundary. When I was small, we used to have huge snowstorms. I would be outside with the neighborhood children building forts, making snowmen, and engaging in ruthless snowball fights. I have loved snow all my life.

When I became a teacher, I loved snow days because not only was there snow, but it also meant I had a day off. When I had children, I could show them all the exciting activities that went with snow. We lived in North Georgia for a while, and the school had a huge hill in the front that was perfect for sledding.

I am now retired and since we live near Atlanta, snow days are rare and more precious. Today was a snow day! We had ample warning to stand in line at the grocery store to stock up on provisions. At 7 a.m., my phone woke me with a message from my youngest that said, “Mom, it snowed!” We agreed to send each other snow pictures. The other two children sent messages and photos right after that. Since all my children have their own houses now, I had to borrow the neighbor’s children to have an excuse to have a snowball fight and build snowmen. The dogs were running, children were laughing, and there was that peacefulness that comes when large, puffy flakes are swirling around you.  

We all have so many responsibilities and life can be a little crazy sometimes, so enjoy those moments like the ones that come with a snow day.

Posted on

3 Ways to Be Happier

The key to happiness doesn’t have to be complicated. What if I told you that you would be happier if you followed three easy steps? You have nothing to lose by trying them and everything to gain.

Don’t rely on others for your joy. You will continue to be disappointed if you are expecting others to bring you joy. Worrying about what others think of you, or always stressing over whether you have offended someone will destroy your happiness. When you start to make your own joy and allow others to own their issues, you will feel a shift. It’s the beginning of emotional freedom.

Be fearless. You know all those things you have wanted to do? You should go do them. Don’t worry about judgement or the possibility of failure. Find the joy in the adventure.

Build your community. Don’t spend another moment surrounded by people you don’t enjoy. If someone is toxic to you, spend as little time as possible with him. Find people who make you laugh and who enjoy the same things you do.

Imagine how much happier you could be if you practice these three things. What are you waiting for?

Posted on

Parenting with the Outcome in Mind

As a parent of three, I remember parenting can often feel like a focus on mere survival, but the small attempts at being the best parent you can be, can make a huge difference in the person your children become. Use the resources you have to give your children a chance to build memories and ask yourself what outcome you are hoping for when your children become adults.

When each of my children was born, I prayed they would be good people. I wanted them to be kind and thoughtful, but I also wanted them to know how to stand up for themselves. I enrolled two of them in karate to teach them self-defense and discipline. My oldest daughter was tough enough without the class!

Making traditions has always been important to me, and I love it when my children carry on those traditions with their families. All three children understand the importance of family time. They know how to enjoy those sweet moments together.

Children need to be around other children, so think about enrolling them in free classes where they can interact. We sent ours to soccer camp where we watched a herd of children run from one side to the other. We also sent them to art camp and an outdoor adventure camp.

As a French teacher, I was expected to organize student trips to France, so I took my children with me. I wanted them to become global citizens. If you can afford travel, it is an amazing educational experience to teach about other cultures and perceptions.

Consider communicating with them about social media before they are allowed to use it. After they start to use it, continue to keep the communication channels open.  

Teach your children how to interact with others by modeling it for them. Teach them to be servant leaders.

Decide what else you want your children to learn from you, and continue to do your best in survival mode.

Posted on

Book two in the Parker John Series is Released

The second book in the Parker John series was released right after Christmas and is available online at Amazon, Barnes, Books-a-million, Thrift Books, and Goodreads. This book describes the bond between Parker and his grandfather. The love that the two share is wonderful to see.

This is a book that grandparents can relate to since a grandparent’s relationship with a grandchild is so special. I hope you will pick up a copy to see a great story of love.

Posted on

3 Ways to Succeed with Health Resolutions

We all hear people say that most health resolutions will fail within a week, but what if you had a plan that would make sure you were one of the few that succeeded? I have three simple ways that will help you stick to your health resolutions and make you healthier in 2025.

Remember your why. Why did you make these health resolutions in the first place? Are you fed up with being tired all the time? Do you see the benefits of reaching a healthy weight? Do you realize that movement is the key to mental health as well as physical well-being? Do you have an event you have always wanted to do, and you have decided it is time to get in shape? All of these reasons are good ones, but whatever your personal reason is, that is the one that counts. Keep your why in front of you by either writing it out or placing motivational pictures where you can see them.

My why is simple. I see so many people who have trouble moving either because of weight, or lack of movement. I want to travel, have adventures with my family, and chase my grandchildren as long as I can. I want to keep my quality of life at a level that means I can enjoy life to the fullest.

Start small. Don’t try to become fit in one day. This would mean you are going to be sore and discouraged. Start slowly and aim for gradual progress. One of my goals this year is to do an unassisted pull up. I watched a woman approach the machine. I could tell she wasn’t sure how to use the machine, but she climbed up. It was set up for an assisted pull up with the pad down, but the weight would be too difficult for a beginner. I watched her struggle and look completely defeated. I walked over and said, “I know it’s none of my business, but I’m trying to become stronger on this one too. If you change the weight, it will be easier until you are stronger.” She tried it and her face lit up when she was able to do it. Little steps lead to great progress.

Have a growth mentality. Tell yourself, “I might not be where I want to be today….yet, but I know I can become stronger and better.” Watch yourself improve. Setting some goals and then crushing them is a fun activity. Ask questions of people you admire. I am an ultrarunner and I was tired of learning from making every mistake possible, so I asked my ultrarunning friend to help me. I came away from our meeting with three pages of notes and my races since then have been much better.

Give yourself grace on this health journey. You will have good days and bad ones, but as long as you do not give up you will win.

Posted on

3 Ways to Stay Healthy in 2025

Many people are making resolutions for the new year and a popular resolution is to work on being healthier. That resolution can encompass your mental and physical health, so it might seem too broad to accomplish, but I can break it down to three attainable goals.

Control your attitude. How you react to what happens to you can make a huge difference. I always say we should be the calm in the storm. Being negative and stressed not only doesn’t help any situation, it also isn’t healthy. A good attitude can help others around you too. People are always watching, so being a good model for healthy behavior can create a domino effect. Sending out positive energy has a way of bringing positive outcomes back to you. Give it a try and see the magic happen.

Practice self-care. Are you the last one you take care of during the day? Self-care is vital for our health, but it also allows us to be better care givers and productive workers because we are healthier because of it. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself. You need to make self-care part of your health regimen. My husband used to make fun of massages until I injured myself and my doctor insisted that they be part of my health routine.

Keep moving. The type of movement you do doesn’t really matter. You can dance, walk, run, bike, swim, or whatever other form of movement you will continue to do. Movement is as important for your mental health as it is for the physical. Movement will help melt away stress, help the creative juices flowing, and clear your mind. It can help with your sleep, and if you do it with others, movement can be a way to build your community and your social health.

Being healthy in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with these three ideas, and add on more as you go.

Posted on

The Second Book in The Parker John series

I have been writing a series of children’s books for my grandson. The second book, Parker and Grandpa John was just released, and is available at Amazon and online at Barnes, Books a Million, Thift Books, and Goodreads. I hope you will grab a copy!

Posted on

Does Everything Have Energy, and How Does That Energy Affect Us?

Do you believe there is energy all around us? If you do, have you thought about how we can use that energy for positive means? I believe strongly that energy is flowing all around us and in us, and we have the power to manipulate it. Energy is a force that can transform something, but what it can affect might not be something you have considered. Let me give you a few examples.

Your attitude. Your attitude has energy. What you send out in negative or positive energy will come back to you like a boomerang. My husband is still amazed at one of the simple ways I show him how this works. When we pull into a parking lot of a restaurant, I always say, “We are going to get seated right away.” He almost always looks at me as if I’m crazy and before you know it the hostess is leading us to a table even though the waiting room is full. It happened last weekend when we were out with my daughter and her boyfriend. Her boyfriend looked dumbfounded and said, “How did that just happen?” Positivity has powerful energy.

Your actions. Karma is real in my opinion. The actions you perform will come back in the same spirit they were delivered. Sometimes it takes a while, but your kindness will be rewarded, and meanness will be dealt with. I choose kindness.

Symbols. Do you have something that brings you luck, or something that is a reminder of someone you love? Symbols carry powerful energy because they can bolster our spirits.

Nature. I always say you need to go outside if you want to improve your health. There is energy all around you. Do some gardening and watch the energy plants have.

Food. Food is our source of energy. Have you ever started feeling run down and weak? A quick snack will have you back up again.

Posted on

How to Create a Legacy of Love

Love is a powerful emotion that we all need in our lives, so shouldn’t we do what we can to preserve it in memories? One of my favorite poems, You Should Leave Houses by French author Ronsard, talks about the importance of leaving something of yourself behind. Ronsard keeps his memory alive through his writing, and I want to preserve a memory of love for my family through writing. Let me tell you how I have done it so far.

Write journals detailing your children’s life. When each of my children was born, I started a journal detailing my thoughts about the child, what each child like to do, and anything else to chronicle the life of the child. I made sure to add frequently how much I loved the child, and how proud I was to be the child’s mother. Each child was given the book on their 18th birthday. It was fun to watch each one read what I had written. My oldest daughter has continued the tradition with her son.

Letters upon leaving home. When each of my children left home, I wrote them a letter telling them how happy I was for them, and how excited I was to watch their next adventure. I also gave them a list of all the things I would miss about them living in my house. My oldest wrote a note to me with a list of what she would miss as well as promises of what we would do together still.

Letters of thanks. Gratitude is an important attitude. Anytime you can thank someone for the good the person has brought to your life I think you should do it. On my 6oth birthday, each of my children stood up at my party and read a thank you letter for me being their mom. I framed them.

Create something that shows your love. When my grandson was born I wanted to leave him something that would always remind him how much he was loved by me, so I wrote a series of books about him. The first book talks about what I hope his life is like, the second describes his bond with his grandfather, and the third talks about the special relationship he has with our dog. My husband said, “When Parker’s teacher asks the class to tell her something interesting about each student, Parker can say, there is a series written about me.”