Toxic Energy Generates Toxicity Within You
Out walking in nature one day, enveloped by the beauty around me, I had an epiphany. I realized that being in toxic energy generates toxicity within you. As I mulled over this newly found revelation, I felt a deep peace regarding all of the people I released in my life. And, I discovered through letting go that I created this unhealthy dynamic. Hence, taking responsibility for my part in...
Teach Your Students The Power Of Creation
To understand the power of creation emboldens you to forge new pathways and take risks. Without knowing that you have the power from within to create changes, victimhood takes over and begins to be the driving force in your life. Eventually, with all of its recklessness, victimhood thrusts your life into a spiraling abyss of pain. Thus, to embody the knowing that you have the power to change...
The Intensity of Perseverance
Throughout my career, I have worked exclusively in underserved, marginalized communities with one of the most excluded groups of children in the school building: students with disabilities. Children with disabilities struggle more with a dearth of resources than the other students. Thus, I began to advocate for their needs to ensure their access to the curriculum. In my various roles in the...
The Next Right Thing
The majority of teachers are planners. Since grade school, pencils, sticky notes, Sharpies, and primary color flags neatly tucked into their pencil pouches ready for use. This skill of having everything in its right place carried them through high school, college, and grad programs. Upon one accomplishment after another, they earned their diplomas. Then, the gateway into the world of teaching...
Intentions Cannot Prosper With An Unresolved Past
In the month of January, cars of all shapes and sizes wedge into yellow-lined parking spaces as hopeful new gym members flood inside to exercise. Losing weight and getting in shape are two of the most commonly shared resolutions across the globe. Something about the reset of a year to day one ignites a hope for change with the promise of dreams coming true. Yet, intentions cannot prosper with...
Healing Shifts Bitter To Better
I distinctly recall a scene in the movie “As Good As It Gets” where Helen Hunt realizes how bitter she allowed herself to become. The scene sticks out in my mind because of how Helen recognized the bitterness within her. In a tearful confession to her mother, she admitted that she found herself envious of a happy couple holding hands on the subway. Upon reflection, she felt that everything in...
Fear-based Leadership
Surfing on the waves of nausea, a nervous Dean through the door. The wonder of an impromptu meeting unbalanced her nerves. She peered into the principal’s office as the door creaked open. Upon her entry, the leadership staff encircled her. Implementing a fear-based leadership created panic, doubt, and insecurity amongst the staff of teachers. Spying made easy As she closed...
Trust Patterns Not Apologies
The anger whirled around her, dust-storming her aura while her toxicity saturated the air. Once again, Minnie doused her coworkers with her unhappiness and left no one untouched by her fury. Entering the teachers’ lounge on a daily basis, she dismissed the Zen of others and created angst with her constantly complaining. Eyes rolled around her as she ignored everyone and dominated the air with...
Listen Your Children About School Experiences
The thoughts of rejection enveloped him as a mound of tears soaked his school shirt. While he breathed between deep sobs, a nurse checked his vital signs. Drenched in sweat as it poured down his body, he writhed in agony face down on her lap. Alas, the words he spoke to his mom about the toxicity in his school fell away. In fear, Keith lied listless spread out on the cold, harsh industrial...
Restoring the Soul Through Innovative Schools
Van barreled through the school front door on his first day. Onto a school table he sprawled. Contorting his body into a ball, his head sunk into his sweatshirt. Warnings of odd behaviors preceded Van’s entry. Tales from past schools tainted his enrollment. Yet, the staff remained confident they could help. In the right environment, restoring the soul with trust and support becomes possible....