After a long week teaching, I find myself thinking back to the students who sit in front of me on a weekly basis. They have their anxieties, their frustrations, their dreams, and their lives, just like I do.
In interacting with my students, I am reminded of the words of Mother Teresa, “Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
In my classroom, I use light humor to encourage them not to take this world too seriously. I make a point of giving them the freedom to just be in the moment, listen to the silence, find joy in learning, and to understand that it’s okay to make mistakes. Life’s about learning. Life’s about community. Life’s about being joyful. We are not defined by our mistakes; we can always correct our errors and learn from them.
A few years ago, I found this THINK (I don’t know to whom to give credit, but it is not my original idea). It is:
Think.
“T” Is it true?
“H” Is it helpful?
“I” Is it inspiring?
“N” Is it necessary?
“K” Is it Kind?
Before releasing words to someone, it is important to wait and ask yourself these questions. Words wound deeply. They should be chosen with kindness and love.
Honesty does not have to be hurtful.
Words should build up; words should never tear down.
Choose your words wisely; others are listening.
What words do you want to be remembered for?
What words have stung you in the past so much so that you still remember them?
Love and kindness is truly all that we need.
Someone said be the change you want to see.
I didn’t make that up, but I am the change I want to see.
It starts with me, and it starts with you.
Think before you speak.
You never know the burdens and fears the person sitting in front of you is carrying.
Think.
Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2021
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