Take a break...

"To overextend yourself is to invite defeat."

G. William Domhoff

I determined long ago that the things that tire me most are those things that I've needed to do but just couldn't seem to find the time for because of my busy schedule!  You see, "doing" those things is not what tires me.  It's the idea of "NOT doing" them that really wears me down! 

When something seems important enough to be on the"to do" list, leaving it undone can cause anxiety and stress. Especially, if it's something that seems to be lingering on the list for a long time. It's a  really good feeling to know that something that's been left undone has finally been done!

A few years ago, I began to look at the overabundance of activity in my life and I was surprised to see that there were some things I spent valuable time on that were things that didn't improve quality of life for anyone, but still took up an incredible amount of time. It was during that time I decided to learn how to say, "No."

I made myself believe that I did not have to say "Yes" to every invitation to serve on a committee or work on a project that came along.  It was liberating to spend a few more evenings at home and I found I had more time to invest in things that were more important.

There are still times when I catch myself raising my own stress level by overextending myself and spending too much time on things I'm not convinced are vital. Therefore, my goal for the rest of this year is to take a good look at the "things" in my life, weigh their importance compared to the people in my life, and make adjustments where necessary!

You should do the same!

Blessings!

Sharon

Light the way....

"Sometimes our light goes out 

but is blown into flame by an encounter 

with another human being. 

Each of us owes the deepest thanks 

to those who have rekindled  this inner light." 

--Albert Schweitzer

You never know how dark the path taken by those around you.   You have no way of knowing what thoughts might be saturating their mind and you may never know the pain they feel.  That person may be living with fears that seem difficult for anyone  understand.  They may be living in a seemingly impossible situation where giving up appears to be the best plan or they may simply be in need of an encouraging word or a friendly smile.

I have been through some trying times in my life and I've experienced all those things to a certain degree. However, one difference between my coping abilities through those times as compared to someone who seems to be floundering in the same place for weeks, months or even years,  is I've been  blessed to have the  opportunity to share those times with friends who have been there to listen, offer support, and help me assess and reassess certain situations. My faith in God, my family and these very special friends make a difference in my life! 

If you're going through tough times, it is my prayer you have someone special to help you rekindle your inner light....to fan the flames of self-confidence and remind you of the blessings in your life.  

If you're reading this and feel your inner light is burning brightly, that's awesome! I am happy for you!  I challenge you to find someone to encourage.  Someone who needs to hear something positive and encouraging...someone who needs to know they're not forgotten. You are probably already thinking of someone!  

Give that friend a call, send them a message or take time to pay them a visit!  You can be the friend who fans the flame of that inner light for another human being!

Blessings!

Sharon

You have to stand for something...

Sit, walk, or run, but never wobble.

Zen Proverb

It's difficult at times to stand up for what's right and it's even more difficult at times to make a decision and move on without letting self-doubt or circumstances make you think you may have made a big mistake!

The important thing is to base your decisions on good information and weigh your options before making that final decision.  It almost seems like a cliche, but I still believe that making a list of pros and cons is very helpful when you need to make a decision that requires thoughtful reflection.

I've made some big decisions lately and before each one I've gathered relevant information from accurate sources, weighed the pros and cons, discussed my potential plans with trusted friends, and spent time thinking and praying about the decision.  Will taking these precautions guarantee that I've made the right decions? No. However, taking steps to ensure that I'm basing my decisions on good information greatly increases the odds!

What about those times when decisions must be made quickly?  I've found that people who are used to being careful with their decisions and choices, seem to develop an instinct....that "gut feeling" we hear about....that enables them to see the big picture quickly and focus on the need at hand.

My challenge to you is to be confident as you make important decisions.  Be diligent in gathering the information needed to make the decisions, then trust yourself enough to do it!

Blessings,

Sharon

It's about what you value....

"Philosophy is the sum total of all that you know 

and what you decide is valuable." 

-- Jim Rohn

One definition of the word philosophy found in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary is: "a set of ideas about how to do something or how to live." ( http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophy)  

While that's a very good definition of the word, I really like Jim Rohn's idea that it's not just what you know, or how to do exist. Your philosophy about virtually everything in your life is all that and more!

It's fairly easy to determine what you know. There are tests and measures of skill levels for nearly every area of life. But, when you really think about your philosophy regarding your family...your faith...your career...and your life, in general, you must consider what is valuable to you!

My challenge to you is simple. Think about your philosophy regarding the way you live and all you do. Write down your philosophy based on the things you know and the things you consider valuable in your life. Do you need an action plan to align what you're actually doing with your philosophy of life?

Let me know how it goes!

Blessings,

Sharon

Life is good....

So long as the memory of

certain beloved friends lives in my heart,

 I shall say that life is good.

Helen Keller

Everyone goes through tough times.  Everyone has bad days. Everyone has moments of feeling insecure, or troubled.  However, not everyone has someone to help them through the tough times, to cheer them up on a bad day or to reassure them when they feel incapable of going on.

I am blessed with a great family and I am thankful to say I am also blessed with some of the greatest friends in the world! I've faced some tough times recently and I have to say those tough times are bearable because of my faith in God and the fact I have friends and family to help carry the load.  Very simply, I am thankful for the many blessings of family and friends in my life and I hope I can be a blessing for others who are facing tough times.   

But, what about those who silently face troubles and hard times alone? Do you know someone who is dealing with difficult circumstances and might feel alone or hopeless?  

Are you that person who is facing your problems alone? 

Either way, my challenge is to reach out to others. Reach out to help others and, if need be, reach out to get help from others.  Only God knows the hurts we silently keep in our hearts. We're in this together for a reason! Make a memory today and remember that life is good!

Blessings,

Sharon

A leader is....

He who thinketh he leadeth 

and hath no one following him 

is only taking a walk.

Anonymous

It's fairly easy for most of us to list the qualities of a good leader.  When you read the words "good leader" you probably thought of at least one person you consider a good leader.  Let me ask you this question: What is the very first word that comes to mind to describe that person?

Is that person you're thinking of right now honest? Intelligent? Confident? Passionate? Kind? Do you try to emulate that person?  

I've worked with many different people I consider to be great leaders over the years and I've come to the conclusion that while all the qualities listed above are certainly valuable,  the most important quality of a leader is the ability to inspire others to follow!

There are professed leaders who can talk about leadership and seem to know all the right answers when asked about team building, strategic planning building a vision for the future, yet they never seem to see their ideas come to fruition. They may have read all the right books and they may be able to quote another leader's ideas verbatim, but they can't seem to get those who are supposed to be following to fully embrace the vision.

The successful leader is one who can "lead" others to embrace a vision and set a course for true progress.

The successful leader leads by inspiration, not intimidation. 

The successful leader has enough confidence to know it's important to train other leaders in an organization to become a leader worthy of a following!

Do you know someone who displays these leadership qualities?  What other qualities must a leader posses? I would love to know what you think about leadership!

Blessings,

Sharon

My Goals for 2014

It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. 

The tragedy in life lies in having no goal to reach.

Benjamin E. Mays

I find myself, once again, writing a blog post and wondering how it could have been so long since I last posted something here!  It's a little disappointing to know I've let a busy lifestyle and dealing with life in general get in the way of doing something I really enjoy!  Maybe it's because I never really set a goal for how many posts I would write in a year's time.

Benjamin E. Mays believed the real tragedy comes when one has no goal set, so I am going to set a goal for blogging in 2014!  But, let's make this achievable....hmmmm....how about 36 posts for 2014?  That's 3 posts per month, an improvement on 2013!

I've thought about goals for the upcoming year and other than writing 36 blog posts, my overarching goal is to focus on one word in 2014. That word is  peace.  There are many tasks and projects I need to finish and a certain level of productivity and equanimity I am hoping to achieve.  Finishing those tasks and projects and increasing my ability to feel a better sense of stability and composure will go a long way towards helping me feel peaceful.  Undone tasks have a way of zapping my energy levels!

What are your goals for 2014? What if you set some new kinds of goals this year?  Goals for relationships with family and friends? Goals for improving your spiritual well-being? Goals for improving your health?  What if, like me, you set a goal to strive for peace in your life this year?What will have to happen to achieve your life of peace?

Blessings!

Sharon

"Insanity is expecting a change 

when you're doing everything the same way."

-- Albert Einstein

Several years ago, I decided, along with millions of others, that I needed to start prioritizing my time with a daily planner.  I took all the right steps!  I purchased the best planner, with the most appealing cover AND a matching tote bag!

I read dozens of different articles about time management and spent too much money on books about managing time and getting organized.  I was spending so much time trying to get organized, I didn't have time to get anything checked off my list!  

I made it a priority to get stylish new calendar pages at the beginning of each new year, always faithful to write family birthdays, annual events, and anniversaries on the crisp clean pages of my new calendar! Then, something  would happen and my priority lists, carefully labeled with "A", "B", and "C" priorities were soon vast lists filled with "A" priorities...most of which were "C" priorities at one time that weren't accomplished on the day I assigned them to myself so I moved their priority level to  "B"..... then to "A"!

After several years of doing this, I realized I was spending more time trying to manage my tasks than I was actually spending doing my tasks!  That's when I began making a list of tasks based on my mindset, temperament and personality.  My organizational style may not match yours, or anyone else for that matter, but even when I catch myself getting behind and tasks seem to be overwhelming me, I can sit down and tackle my list and my calendar and work it all out based on changes I made in my organizational style.

Some of the best advice I got as I was reorganizing my priorities and my busy schedule was from Dan Chiodo of Impact Training and Development. http://impactbydan.com/ He showed me a sample calendar with time set aside for family, career, self-improvement, professional development, and relaxation. The times and dates were clearly marked and his advice was to keep my calendar balanced, give each area of my life its proper time and focus on becoming the person I wanted to be.  

I accepted the fact that I would  never be the A, B, C priority type person and I began to simply block out specific times for faith, family, work, study, community service and relaxation.  I found that I had more time for everything when I set specific times for each of those important things in my life.

Think about your style of organizing. Are you a detail person who works best with prioritized lists, or are  you someone who might appreciate the visual organization of color coded markers on your calendar pages? 

Take the time to find your own style of organization. You might find one particular style that's already been tested, you might develop a combined plan of several different methods, or you might come up with the next "best thing" when it comes to a way to keep a busy person organized!

Blessings,

Sharon

P.S. Dan Chiodo also has a great book dedicated to the task of organizing your busy day entitled Perfect Timing: Here's the Secret to Gaining Two Hours in Your Day available at http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Timing-Heres-Secret-Gaining/dp/1449737390/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375822166&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=dan+ciodo

Investing in the Future....

This blog is a reprint of a post I wrote on  February 27, 2012.  I changed the title for this reprinting because of a major legislative issue making the headlines in Missouri news. HB253 will benefit only the very wealthy in Missouri and will be harmful to public schools as well as every other program in Missouri  that receives state funding. 

Each of us must be diligent to devote the time required to research this issue rather than let our minds "latch on" to the first well-done commercial or catchy headline we see. We are bombarded with so much information every time we turn on the computer or walk by a television that happens to be on hitting us with 15 second sound bytes of information, that it's difficult to focus on the actual issues at hand.

With so much information out there, it's difficult to sort fact from fiction, but it's vital that conscientious citizens take responsibility and base their decisions on factual information. When you've finished reading this, whether you are a fellow Missourian, or not, I encourage you to visit http://www.missourifuture.net/ and take a look at the information provided there as well as the list of groups and associations who are committed to making good things happen for the kids of Missouri! 

We are at a crossroads in Missouri.  We must  put divisions aside and make the effort to do what's best for everyone concerned, especially when it involves our children....our future.

Here's the blog....

Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen,

but give us the determination to make the right things happen 

-- Peter Marshall

Over the years, I've spent quite a bit of time as an advocate for public education.  I do this because I believe, as many of our founding fathers did, that an uneducated public is a quick way to put an end to a free society. I do this because I have grandchildren who will attend public schools.  I do this because I want to remind our legislators that when they appropriate money for public education, it's not "paying for" education for our students, it's "investing in the education of" our students.

And, let's just talk about the "return on investment" when it comes to our kids! 

The students enrolled in our high schools right now will be the teachers, doctors, truck drivers, law enforcement officers, soldiers, parents, farmers, engineers, business owners and a myriad of other professionals who  will be the first in line to take the torch of leadership from our generation.  As we "age out" of the work force and "into" retirement, home health care, nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living communities, it is the students we're investing in right now who will "run the show"!

I want them to do well!

I have been very busy, personally and professionally, but when it comes to doing what's right for the 900,000 children in the state of Missouri, I feel a strong sense of urgency when it comes to legislative issues affecting education!  I think they are worth the investment!

At the Missouri School Boards Association Governmental Relations Center, in Jefferson City, there is a quote on the wall that reads: "Education is the foundation of democracy."  This quote, long attributed to Thomas Jefferson sums up my strong feelings regarding public education. 

Thomas Jefferson believed in a society where talent and virtue should be educated regardless of wealth, birth or any other condition.  He believed that democracy could not long exist without education. He believed the education of our children should come at the common expense of our people. He also believed that without wise elected officials at every level, our education system could not thrive. 

Thomas Jefferson saw public education, quite literally, as the means of insuring political liberty for every generation!

My challenge to you is to go online right now and start gathering information about legislation you're interested in. Whether it's education, [such as the issue I mentioned earlier] or another area that affects your life,  see to it that your voice is heard in your state capitol and in the nation's capitol. Develop a determination within you to give your best, do your best, and to encourage others to do the same.

Blessings!

Sharon

Some good sites to visit if you're interested in the education of our future leaders.

http://www.missourifuture.net/

http://www.msbanet.org/

http://www.mo.gov/

http://dese.mo.gov/

http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/

http://www.usa.gov/

It's all about perception....

We don't see things as they are. 

We see things as we are.

Anais Nin

It has been my experience in getting to know people that those individuals who always look for negative things are the same people who seem to be in a constant battle with managing the simple details of life. They seem to be critical of nearly everyone around them and they seem to have a "better way" of doing everything yet managing their own life seems to be an insurmountable task.

I'm not trying to draw attention to anyone in particular, and it's factual to say that there are times when I let negative influences affect me.  There have been times when I feel as though life situations "catch up" to me and knock me to the ground....sometimes, it seems, literally!

When I find myself focusing on overwhelming, negative things,  the attention I pay to those bad things coming my way  sets the tone for how I see other situations and other people.  When I'm feeling negative, I see things that really aren't so bad at all as big, bad, terrible things!

I attempt to remind myself at those times of the Anais Nin's quote above: "We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are." 

It's those times when I pray, do some self-talk and reflect on my life.  Changing my own attitude, counting my blessings, and focusing on good things...true things...beautiful things......helps me see more good, true, and beautiful things in the world around me.

Try focusing on the good and counting your blessings in the face of overwhelming, negative issues and let me know what happens!

Blessings,

Sharon

For a friend.....

Enjoy when you can and endure when you must.

Johann Wolfgang von Goebe

Have you ever said to yourself, "If I can just get through this week, I will be fine!"

At times, we become so overloaded with work, civic, and family responsibilities it seems nearly impossible to believe it can all be done!

It's during those times we stop and "make a plan" to get things in order  and prioritize. Then, with a fierce determination we soldier on, accomplish the task, and promise that we'll never allow life to get that crazy again!

But what about the times when emergencies arise, when bad things happen, and life seems to go from from bad to worse....you think it can't possibly get any worse....then it does.

If we're not careful, those times of crisis or tragedy can overtake us and cause us to mentally, socially, spiritually, and sometimes physically "shut down". 

It's during those times we have to square our shoulders up, take a deep breath and just keep moving!  The very act of doing SOMETHING helps us endure those things life throws at us!

Doing SOMETHING to actively manage your situation, (instead of letting the situation manage you!)  will help you face the fear that may arise from the very circumstance you are facing.

Doing SOMETHING will help you stay focused on a positive outcome and enable you to pay attention to those around you who may be reaching out to help you.

My challenge for you is this: If life's troubles have brought you down, stop for just a little while.  (You may as well spend a bit of time praying while you're already on your knees!) 

Then...look up!  Look for something to do!  Look for someone who is probably already there, reaching out to help you!

Lastly, when you've made it through the struggle, look around and find someone else who is enduring the same kind of situation and reach out and lend a little encouragement!

Blessings!

Sharon

Happy Mother's Day....

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. 

- Abraham Lincoln

Mother's Day weekend is upon us!

Even if, like me,  your own mother isn't with you any longer, there is a special mother out there who could use a little encouragement.  If you will pause for just a moment and think about all the mothers you know, you will be amazed!

You know young mothers, old mothers, single mothers, mothers who have husbands in the military and take on the extra responsibility gladly, mothers who struggle and mothers who seem to always have it all together. Think about the mother whose name came to your mind just now.  Does she need a little encouragement? Could she use a little break?  How about a small gift to commemorate the day and let her know that someone who is not obligated to think of her on Mother's Day remembered her?

For those of you who are blessed to be able to share Mother's Day with your mother, make plans right now to pay her a visit or giver her a call.  She will be blessed by your remembrance!

Blessings!

Sharon

Make the right things happen...

“Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen,  but give us the determination to make the right things happen.” --Horace Mann

Born in 1796, Horace Mann is considered to be one of our nation's first education reformers.  He believed that "universal public education was the best way to turn the nation's unruly children into disciplined, ...judicious citizens." Mann served as state representative, senator, and Secretary of the State Board of Education in Massachusetts and went on to serve that state in the United States House of Representatives.  A well-educated man, and brother-in-law to famed  writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, he placed a great deal of value on education and believed heartily in public support of local schools that should be made available to the masses. He believed that children should be educated and that such education should be provided by an interested public.  To that end, Mann worked to improve many facets of education.  He was a supporter of higher pay for teachers, quality training for teachers, a broader curriculum for all students, and  he believed the American people should provide "more and better equipped school houses." Over the decades that have come and gone, those same values are just as true today as they were then.  As a matter of fact, with the advances of technology and the sheer amount of information our students and teachers are responsible for, it is even more true today!   We must be able to pay high-quality teachers enough to attract them to the profession and keep them there.   We must continually update curriculum to be certain our children are learning the right things at the right time in their academic careers. And, we must take the responsibility of building and maintaining our public school "houses" to the highest standards available.  Those school "houses" are the living and learning environment for our children for a majority of their days.  To learn and achieve at the levels expected of them, our school "houses" must be safe, clean and comfortable.  It makes sense that when a student has a great environment to learn in, and great teachers to lead them to become learners, they will succeed in life. Tomorrow is Election Day in my home town of Houston, Missouri,  and there is an issue on the ballot that will make a difference in the future of our city, the surrounding community, and most importantly, it will make a difference in the lives of our children.  It is an instance in time when a "YES" vote will have an immediate and far-reaching affect on our future.   The passage of this particular school bond issue will make it possible to improve the learning environment for our students, so I hope that when my fellow citizens head to the polls tomorrow they think like Horace Mann and have a "determination to make the right things happen" for our most important commodity -- our children! Blessings, Sharon

Things change...

No man ever steps in the same river twice, 

for it's not the same river and 

he's not the same man.

Heraditus

Lately, I've found myself re-thinking some of my basic beliefs and thoughts about faith, work,   ways of building and maintaining relationships.

I have found that I sometimes surprise myself by thinking something, or even saying something, that I may not have even considered a few years ago!

It's not that my fundamental beliefs about my faith, personal relationships, or ethical behavior have changed. I've simply learned to be more careful about finding out why I believe the things I believe!  I spend a little more time asking myself, "Why am I doing this?"

Was I wrong before? 

Not necessarily....although I have changed my thought process on certain issues!

Have I grown personally, professionally, spiritually, emotionally?  

Absolutely!

Am I a different person than I was 10 years ago? 5 years ago? Last year? 

Yes!

Has the world around my changed? 

YES, YES, YES!

My challenge to you is to think about your basic beliefs and see if there are things in your life that have changed to the point that you need to "re-think" your priorities.   

Maybe there's a family relationship that's gone sour and you need to work on that.  Maybe you need to get in touch with a friend you haven't seen in years, maybe you need to change jobs, or maybe you simply need to make a plan and get that big task that's hanging over your head done and out of your way!

Let me know how it goes!

Blessings!

Sharon

Find your happy place....

I do not understand 

how anyone can live 

without one small place of 

enchantment to turn to.

Marjorie Kiman Rawling

Can you describe your happy place? 

A place where you can be yourself, relax, and clear your mind of troubles and stress?

Is it a physical place that makes you feel content, or is your happiness there dependent on having certain people there with you sharing ideas, thoughts, and opinions?

Either way -- everyone needs a refuge.  We all need to  know there's a place to go where we feel safe, comfortable, and protected. 

Just this morning, I  was watching my cats, Mr. Jingles and Koshka as they played together on the patio.  Just as they were getting very involved in their game of tag and wrestling, our dog, Tipper, walked up to them.  Tipper is a very old dog and was not being assertive in any way, but her simple  presence startled them, ended their fun and they raced for the back door!

They were not happy!

When I opened the door, they raced through it and headed immediately for their favorite rug and within 5 minutes both were sleeping soundly without a care in the world.  They found their happy place! A place where they were warm, comfortable, and safe.

My challenge for you today is to define your happy place and resolve to go there now! 

Blessings!
Sharon

It's a New Year.....

Your success and happiness lies in you. 

Resolve to keep happy, 

and your joy and you 

shall form an invincible 

host against difficulties. 

-- Helen Keller

It's that time of year when everyone is trying to decide if they're going to stick to their New Year's Resolutions. Gyms are still filled with people who have resolved to get fit, Nicorette gum is probably the best selling gum in the country, and office organizing supplies are flying off the shelves as we start sorting through last year's files and making a new plan for saving all those important records in 2013!

I usually try to set one or two goals for the new year, and they almost always involve being healthier, but it's very easy to forget those kinds of resolutions by the time the first boxes of Valentine's chocolates show up in stores!  (By the way, does that happen earlier every year?)

Nevertheless, shortly before the new year began I was visiting with my brother who was finishing up a project because it was one of his resolutions for 2012 and he wanted to get it checked off the list before the year ended.  Further questioning revealed that he actually makes a list of 10 resolutions to keep during each new year.  Most of them, he reported, are not "that big of a deal."

He lists achievable goals that even though they seem inconsequential, can make his, or someone else's life a little easier, or better.  For example, one of his resolutions from 2012 was to stop leaving newspapers laying around.  Some others have included keeping the inside of his truck cleaner, having his garden soil tested, saying "hello" more often, and giving up snack cupcakes. (I think Hostess helped him out with that one!)

For 2013, he has looked back over his lists from the last ten years and figured he had achieved roughly 60% of the goals he'd set, so he took the first 10 resolutions from past lists that were left unaccomplished and has set out to accomplish those things in 2013.  

Another friend of mine picks one word and focuses on that word for the entire year.  For 2012 her "focus word" was Courage.  Throughout that year, as she faced changes in her job, home improvement projects and life, in general,  her focus on courage gave her additional strength to press on!  

For 2013, her "focus word" is Less.  An interesting choice.

Less?  

Yes.

Less time wasted,  less clutter,  less money spent on things that don't matter, 10 pounds less weight, etc. 

What a great idea! 

My word for 2013 is Happiness.  I hope to take the words of Helen Keller to heart and find a little joy in every day!

My challenge to you is to look at the goals you've set for 2013. Whether it's a list of small achievable things, one really big thing,  or simply a  focus on a particular virtue or word, I wish you the best in accomplishing what you set out to achieve!

Blessings!

Sharon

  

The art of the argument...

The end of an argument or discussion should be, not victory, but enlightenment.

Joseph Joubert

As I work with groups of people in boards, clubs, or even churches, I am always watching to see how a difference of opinion is handled by colleagues and friends.

I've observed situations where the two people who disagree stay calm, refrain from insults and are willing to listen to each other.  On the other hand, I've also seen situations where emotions run high, sarcasm reigns and the slightest objection, or even a request for an explanation is taken as a personal insult.

In some cases, I've seen friendships and even family relationships ruined over what began as a very simple difference of opinion!  It's as if the offended person is saying, "Okay!  Now that you don't agree with me, I have to hate you forever!"

While it's true that it can be difficult to get your point across without saying hurtful things, it is also possible to resolve problems and remain collected and reasonable.

When you're faced with that difficult conversation remain calm.  Focus on keeping your voice at a steady, low tone.  If you get emotional, remind yourself that you must maintain your dignity and that lashing out will not help.

Make sure the other person knows that you are willing to listen and that you respect them.  Always remember that even though you may not agree with what they are saying, they feel just as strongly about their views as you do about yours!

Be reasonable. The outcome may not be exactly what you wanted, but let's face it, most people don't get exactly what they want!

Set healthy boundaries for the discussion.  If an argument is going on and on, it's likely that nothing will be accomplished and everyone involved becomes emotionally drained, tired, and more likely to make irrational decisions. (Professional counselors and mediators say that after an hour, you are simply repeating the same things over and over.)

Another thing to remember regarding healthy boundaries is that if someone is being verbally abusive, insulting, or just plain obnoxious, it's wise to end the discussion with a promise to get in touch later and walk away. That may seem obnoxious in itself, but it's far better to step away than end up in a situation where both sides are saying things they don't really intend to say!

Keep in mind that the result of a disagreement should be enlightenment and a clearer understanding of the other person's views.  There is no victory in just "winning" an argument for the sake of winning!

Finally, remember this: Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. - Paul Boese

Blessings,
Sharon

Life is sown thickly with thorns 
and I know no other remedy than to pass quickly through them. 
The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, 
the greater is their power to harm us.

Voltaire

Into every life there comes a time when things don't seem to be working out according to even the most carefully thought out plans!

Tragedy strikes.  

We lose someone close to us. 

Life doesn't seem fair.

We suffer great misfortune.

I know you've heard someone say,  "Time  is a great healer," or "This, too, shall pass," or, one I heard again just the other day, "Well, the only way to go now is up!"

There's a reason those sayings have been around for years. They are, in many ways, true!

I'm not saying that you should never allow time to grieve or to deal with hurtful issues.  And, I'm a strong advocate of seeking help from a professional counselor or someone in your faith family. 

However, I do know from experience that when things are really tough, the most resilient people seem to find an inner strength from relying on their family, friends and their faith to keep living life.

One of my favorite scenes from the animated feature film Finding Nemo is when Dory says to Marlin, who is ready to give it up and quit,  "Hey Mr. Grumpy Gills... When life gets you down do you wanna know what you gotta do?" 

Marlin replies,  "I don't WANNA KNOW what you gotta do." 

Even so, Dory begins to chant and sing: "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim!" 

In frustration,  Marlin shouts back at her: "Dory, NO SINGING!" 

Dory replies, "Ha, ha, ha, ha, ho. I love to swim!  When you want to swim you want to swim!" 

Then, in an angry tone of voice, Marlin shouts, "See I'm gonna get stuck now with that song... Now it's in MY head!" 

Dory apologizes and swims on....Then Marlin follows her.

As he keeps swimming he finds himself moving closer to finding his beloved Nemo.  He focuses on the good things left in his life and on accomplishing the goal of reuniting his family!

His life was sown thickly with "thorns" -- from scary sharks and stinging jellyfish to a seemingly insurmountable distance to swim.  But, as he kept moving, he found that the scary things were left behind and the distance was covered!

My challenge to you is this:  If things are getting you down and it seems there's no way to go but up....look up!

Find  the good things ahead of you and focus your attention there.  

Then....just keep swimming!!

Blessings!

Sharon

It seems like yesterday....

If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.

John Dewey

How many times have you tried to have something repaired only to find they no longer make parts for that model?  Have you ever had someone tell you that your model of television, computer, or cell phone is "obsolete" and it would be smarter to "upgrade" to the new model?

Just as technology has changed the way we do business, the way we are entertained, and the way we live, it has also changed our entire education system.

Think about this:  The chalkboard was introduced to the classroom in 1841. Josiah Bumstead said, regarding the inventor of the chalkboard system of teaching in a classroom: "The inventor of the system deserves to be ranked among the best contributors to learning and science, if not the greatest benefactors of mankind."  

Other notable innovations in classroom technology include:
1925 - Overhead projector
1940 - Ballpoint Pen
1950 - Slide Rule
1959 - Photocopier
1970 - Handheld calculator
1980 - the PLATO computer
1999 - Interactive Whiteboard
2005 - The iClicker
2010 - The iPad
2012 and beyond - "Smart" class rooms and much, much more!

Technology has changed the way children learn.  It has also, out of necessity, changed the way teachers teach, and it demands that we change the way we govern our schools.

From modeling smart use of available technology to requiring education leaders to maintain rigorous standards of professional development, school board members and other school administrators must create a culture where continuous learning and improvement is the norm.

We must expect our teachers and students to rise above the average and strive for excellence and we must do everything possible to provide the necessary technology, leadership training and resources to accomplish their goals.

We must also be committed to governing our schools in such a way that those who look to school board members and other administrators for guidance can see  there is a commitment to  rising above the average and striving for excellence at every level of education!

My challenge today is that you would get more involved in education in your community.

 If you're a school board member or administrator, do a simple checklist for yourself and your school board.  Are you taking advantage of all the available resources and technology that will streamline your plans for improvement and accountability measures?

If you are a parent, make sure you are involved at every level of your student's learning.  

If you are a patron with no children or grandchildren in your school district, you can call someone in your district and offer to volunteer or help purchase supplies or other resources.


One final thought:

One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, 

what kind of house I lived in, or how much money I had in the bank.

But, the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child.

Author unknown

Blessings,

Sharon