I will start this blog as I do so many others... By recognizing how bad I am about posting. I always have very grand plans on how I will blog- but then life happens and a year goes by. I think about it often but it just rarely pans out. I will say that while writing may not have been done on this blog, I have been an avid letter writer to two of my favorite people on missions and have been trying to be a better communicator in general- even if it is just a momentary text to recognize someone and how much they mean to me. So, overall I guess, who cares... I will write when I can.
This blog has been looming the last week, well maybe the last month. The New Year always has me feeling reflective. When I read a blog from a former student yesterday, it got me thinking about putting some recent thoughts down. These thoughts center around people, especially the people of my beloved Carson Valley. This, combined with my current obsession with the effect of our attitude and how we choose to see things, led me to this current reflection.
People who aren't from here or choose not to take it in don't really get it, but the valley is a magical place. Not perfect, because there are definitely times you need to get away and times when you need something new, but this place truly feels like what a home should feel like. It is full of comfort and familiarity, history and depth, amazing people from way back and new wonders who arrive a little later. It is the little things... the highly annoying yet wonderful way that you can't walk through Raley's without seeing someone you know. How truly wonderful it is that a whole community comes out for a basketball or softball game. How our paper has more news that includes spelling bee's and food drives more than crime; and then how a local newspaper genius can start his own online magazine about our small town to highlight all its wonders. There are more little things that I can count but more than anything, I love that I believe, no I know, that some of the best people in the world live here. Some may judge the small town life, but really before you begin to do that you should know that so many people would rock your soul if you let them. (and yes, not EVERYONE is amazing... but stop focusing on the negative). There is my cooky, crazy and wonderful family who complete my life. We are constantly dysfunctional which I believe is the key to our charm. I have the best friends in the world, some from here since birth and some who migrated here for various reasons. No matter the journey they took to get here they are all fun, smart, loving people who make me laugh, have massive amounts of integrity, have passion and dedication for all those around them, are in one word: amazing. All these people teach me more about true friendship, loyalty and love than I could possibly imagine. More than just my immediate people, I get a first hand look at the gems of this valley by teaching at DHS each day. First it is teachers who are so funny and supportive. They, each in their own way, dedicate their lives to kids and inspire them to do amazing things. Next it is the many people I have met who have opened their homes to me and made me part of their families. Then there are the kids... the magical and hilarious and wonderful kids who make my job, well, not so much of a job. They make mistakes and pick themselves back up. They might complain but try and trust in adults that something they say might be right. They work hard and then get a little lazy. But they possess kindness, integrity, compassion, and intelligence... each and every one of them.
And after reading all that sap you might be saying "But there are bad people, lazy people, scared people"... sure there are, there are lots of bad things. There are losses, fights, tears, pains, illnesses and more. So, join me in choosing to focus on all that the world has to offer and all the amazing people it has to offer you. Negativity is an easier path. No room for real growth, tons of excuses, and constant pain that is apparent and never catches you off guard. I have been there, I have immersed
myself in it. However, I am choosing to see the magic. Choosing to be thankful and see all the potential, all the good.
Just another sappy way that I reflect on how blessed I am. Here is to making the goal of seeing the good and avoiding the negative. I will try if you will...
Karen
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