The Eternal Monday

I started to think this Sunday about the many things that I promise myself on Sunday nights...always saying that I will begin Monday. Monday feels like a good day to 'start' something. Part of it is that I am a planner...and when things are not planned I don't feel entirely comfortable about them. So I did want to start this Sunday night by trying to hold true to one of those goals which is to actually blog. It sounds lame...and if you are reading this looking for some profound truth, you -probably won't find it. It is however, a way to get thoughts off my mind, out into the world and maybe make you laugh (at or with me) or cry or something. In order to get some inspiration I started listening to some music. I happened to find Van Morrison on the internet and began listening to into the mystic which I always love. it is one of those songs that makes you want to trust in life and float into the unknown.

I am going to try to carry that attitide through this new school year. I don't know what is coming but I am excited for the new year and I am just going to sail into the unknown. I am going to do my best to learn about life, learn about myself, become a better teacher, a better friend, a better person and be happy and fulfilled. I am going to learn not to sweat the small stuff, read more, laugh more, cry less and smile even when I don't feel like it.

One of the greatest things about being a teacher is that each year you get to start fresh. You get to trash the things that didn't work, revamp the things that needed refining, leave the things that seemed to be amazing. You get to inspire more and learn more and teach more. You get to try again and try new things. It is pretty amazing.

Happy 2009-2010 school year to all. Parents, teachers, students and everyone no matter how you fit in. Oh, and here is to a happy Monday. Because I believe instead of hoping for a new beginning just living each day, including Monday, to fullest will be a good way to spend time. Also, start goals whenever I can...not matter the day!

Karen

Leadership means Selflessness...

Recently at CADA camp the adviser's council spoke on selflessness and here is what we said...

Our word is selflessness. It is something that as advisers we believe is vital but also something that we are continually happy and impressed to see in all of our students every day.

Leadership is about what is best for the school - not the individual. It is about a place to put your pride aside and realize that the individual doesn't come first, the whole group does. Leadership is about making a personal connection to all kinds of people no matter what background. This connection comes from masking activities that fit all kinds of different people. If you make Leadership all about you, they won't respect you but if you make it about them, they will. Remember you have to serve before you lead, you have to give rather than take, you have to make it inclusive instead of exclusive. Selflessness in Leadership means knowing you have done the right thing in your heart and mind, with no need for gratitude or reward.

The beauty of selflessness is that even though it seems it is always about others, it comes full circle and benefits you. It helps you continually grow to be a better person...

Because like Ghandi said "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others".

All my faith,

Karen