I believe there’s a story in the exceptional, the average, and the exceptionally average moments of our lives. Growth and connection happen when we ask ourselves what’s in the story and are brave enough to share what we discover.
Lean Beside
Lean beside the ones who ask for help Just as much as you lean beside the ones who say they’re fine Lean beside the ones who encourage As well as the ones who only want to take Lean beside the ones with whom you agree As well as the ones with whom you couldn’t disagree […]
February: Lean Around
“I’m totally judging you right now.” A student’s snarky response to what was an attempt on my part to connect with him cut me right to the core. I know better than to take things students say personally, and most of the time it’s easy for me to let statements such as this one roll […]
A Look Back on 2016
I was kind of a rebel with my one little word choice for 2016: I actually picked a 2-word phrase. Worth it We had to make a lot of really big decisions this year, and being a person who isn’t by nature incredibly decisive, it was important to me to have a filter to run […]
Christmas is for the Broken
Christmas is for the broken. She was grieving and looking for something to fear rather than face the pain. She sucked in her breath and let out a prayer that her broken heart wouldn’t scatter out of reach when she exhaled. He held his own tears at bay and placed an arm of support around […]
You’re More Creative Than You Think
Background Photo Credit If you’re currently under the impression that you are failing in the creativity department, this message is for you. You wake up with high hopes for weaving a beautiful tapestry of productivity sewn together by imagination and inspiration. You progress on your construction as best you can, each check mark on the […]
My First Day of School Letter
Last year I started the tradition of writing a letter to my students on the first day of school, and I’m so glad I did it! I realize it’s more for me than for them at this point, but I’m okay with that. To all of my fellow educators, whether you’re teaching in a classroom […]
Daddy’s Hands
Daddy’s hands – A symbol of strength throughout my life How I learned what a callous was with its layers of toughened skin from labor The inspiration for recalling tales from the day because of the scratches brought about by wrestling barbed wire, transforming fallen trees into firewood, convincing cattle to submit to the head gate, […]
When No Other Words Can Come, Give Thanks
With the first half of year one back in the classroom almost behind me, I feel equal parts spent and fulfilled. It’s been challenging to learn how to balance our new way of life, but it’s been a worthwhile challenge. Finding time to sit down and write meaningful things has been beyond my abilities. This […]
Where I’m From
My awesome friend Ashley and I are both getting back into the teaching saddle after a lengthy hiatus this year, and she inspired me to get in on the fun of the Where I’m From poem with this post, which you should definitely read. Then you should go ahead and just subscribe to her blog […]