TL;DR: What is happiness, really? Tips to free ourselves from the stress and constant connection of our phones. Happiness. Ask 25 people their definition of happiness, and I’d imagine you’d get 25 different definitions. To me, happiness doesn’t mean being in a constant state of shoulder shrugs, jazz hands, or guffawed laughter. That’s not what we are chasing because that’s … Read More
Keep Your Eyes on Your Own Paper
TL;DR: Advice we give our students that we should take ourselves: keep your eyes on your own paper. In this time of uncertainty, our best is absolutely amazing. Today I went for a run. It’s one of the things that keeps me mentally and physically healthy during this time of social distancing. It was a beautiful, somewhat foggy morning – … Read More
Happiness is a Discipline
TL;DR: We must dedicate ourselves to happiness like we dedicate ourselves to anything: with discipline. An activity to help you define and discipline your happiness. How are you always so happy? I get asked this often. Maybe 3 times a week. Well dear reader, let me pull back the curtain and let you in on a little secret. I’m not … Read More
Social Distancing Brings Teachers Closer Together
TL;DR: A warm reminder of the network of educators you’ve built. Positive encouragement to reach out to one another during this uncertain, scary time. There are so many headlines in the news right now surrounding the coronavirus and its implications for our world, our homes, and our classrooms. These headlines can be scary. And overwhelming. And cause such discomfort. But … Read More
Weekend Happier
TL;DR: Our weekends are already happy, but how can we make them happier? Ideas to be purposeful in our recharging over the weekend. A few weeks ago, I ran an after school workshop. It was a cold February day, and since it was a Thursday, most of us were tired. Downright weary. Limping toward the weekend. To rally the group, … Read More