8-29-2014

Mary’s Minute

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”                                                                                                                            ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

 

“Smile, it's free therapy.”                                                                                       ~Douglas Horton

 

“A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside.”

                            ~Denis Waitley

What came first the chicken or the egg?  This quandary like relationship can also be said about a smile and joy as Hanh suggests.  We typically think of the fact that we smile because we are happy, rather than smiling to become happy, but it is a strategy we might consider.  It is a simple, no-cost way to lift our own spirits.  Try it and see if you can feel warmth and satisfaction flow through your body.  The added benefit of smiling is the powerful message that it sends to others.  I am a firm believer in the power of a smile to brighten others’ days.  As Denis Waitley points out, it is our way to let the world know we care.  It is pretty neat to think that we have the capacity to brighten our own life, while at the same time helping others – all with a simple facial expression.  Smile for yourself; smile for others.   Smile because you are happy; smile because you want to get happy.   The important thing is that you smile!  

                                                                                                                Have a great week!

                                                                                                                                Mary

8-25-2014

Mary’s Minute

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”                            ~Confucius

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

~ Thomas A. Edison

People who know me have often heard me repeat Confucius’ advice.  I have long stressed to my own children the value of finding work that you enjoy and that will make a difference in the world.  I am sad for people who see work as drudgery and/or something separate from their zest for life.  Putting it simply, life is too short to spend the majority of our waking hours doing something that does not bring us satisfaction.  I have always felt lucky to work in education because it is a natural avenue for work that brings fulfillment.  Our goal is to help our students see that the best life work is work that grows from personal passion.

The Thomas Edison quote may seem to contrast the happy-go-lucky ideal of Confucius, but for me they go hand in hand.  Hard work is a good thing.  Maybe it is my German-Polish heritage that helps me see the natural value of hard work.  It certainly was nurtured by my parents who taught me through example that hard work was necessary for life, but also fun.  I remember pulling weeds as a family in a soybean field when my dad was a part-time farmer, in addition to his job as an elementary principal.  I still remember laughing together as sweat rolled off our faces on that hot July day some forty years ago.  When I reflect of my own career, I can say that I never set out to be a superintendent.  I just always worked hard at what was in front of me and enjoyed every job that I was ever fortunate enough to hold.  Work – the art of accomplishing tasks – is a great gift.  I want to do all we can to help instill in our students the joy of finding work that helps them follow their passions as they contribute to society. 

                                                                                Have a great week!

                                                                                Mary

8-14-2014

Mary’s Minute

 

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.

~Mother Teresa

We all have moments in our lives when we want to throw up our hands and give up.  I love this advice from Mother Teresa reminding us to, “Do it anyway.”  As educators we do what we do because we know we are doing the right things, even when we have moments when we feel ignored, defeated, humiliated, or unappreciated.  Fortunately, most of the time we get positive affirmation for the work we do, but when we don’t we need to remember, “Do it anyway.”  We know there is so much more good in the world than bad.  There are so many more people who are grateful than those who feel entitled.  When you feel discouraged, “Do it anyway,” remembering that what you do is bigger than the moment.  The good that you do reflects who you are and what you believe about people and life.  What you do makes the world a better place in a way that may not be quantifiable immediately.  What you do makes you a better person in a way that goes beyond a snapshot in time.  Thank you for making a difference by, “Doing it anyway.”

                                                                                                Have a great week!

                                                                                                                Mary

08-08-2014

Mary’s Minute

“Let us be bold.  Let us be brave.  Let us be together.”

~ Brad Henry

Each year we choose a theme for the school year, and this year it is, “Be brave.”  We want to create a school culture where students and teachers see the joy in learning and follow their passions.  An important part of the learning process is taking risks and knowing it is okay to make mistakes.  Making mistakes is not bad, but an important step in learning and growing.  Making mistakes means being brave, and being brave begins by being in a culture where we feel supported.

Today as I walked the halls, greeting students and helping them open lockers or find classrooms, I had a slightly different thought of what our theme means.  Firsts can be scary.  It takes bravery to walk into school on the first day, especially for students who are new to Perry Central.  Our goal is to create a nurturing atmosphere where students feel safe and willing to take risks in order to learn.  We are all about student learning, but what matters to us are people.  Our students need to know that we care about them before they can learn. 

It is an exciting day at Perry Central - the first day of what will be a great school year.  Together we can be brave and create an even environment where are students and staff can thrive.

                                                                           Have a great year!

                                                                           Mary