Lighten up...this one has been hard for me. I work a lot, I am busy all of the time. I like to know whats happening well in advance, I am not a fan of surprises. My boyfriend has been very good for me. He is very laid back and knows when to take a break. By not working on grading papers all weekend I am more refreshed come Monday morning. I am able to get more done after taking a break and spending time on myself. I cannot control everything in my world, and I shouldn't have to.
When I started teaching it was hard for me to admit to my students when I made a mistake. Over the years I have gotten over this, as well as my need to know the answer to everything that they ask. I work with very bright students, I like that they ask intelligent questions and keep me on my toes. They are more willing to listen to what I know when they know that I will admit to them what I don’t.
I too have a hard time lightening up during the school year sometimes. It seems like every assignment and every activity feels like it is make or break for their education and their future. We forget sometimes that they have so many other experiences outside of us that will shape and form their personality.
ReplyDeleteI also have felt the extreme power of allowing myself to make mistakes in front of my students and the power of admitting them as well.
For me, you hit the nail on the head with this statement: "They are more willing to listen to what I know when they know that I will admit to them what I don’t." That is something that transcends from education all the way to parenthood through to any interaction between people. Know-it-alls are easily dismissed yet when we are willing to admit our ignorance we become humanized to those we are trying to reach. We place ourselves on their same wavelength and diminish their perception of inferiority. Once this precept has been removed, the mind is open and receptive to our advice or lesson.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteI think it is so important that we be able to lighten up sometimes. It's not always easy as you've stated. I find that I go through seasons of needing to be in control and seasons of being calm and laid back. I think its all a mind game that has to do with what we perceive and how we react to our world. I've enjoyed The Art of Possibility so far and look forward to putting the principles into practice. Lightening up can only make my life easier!