Downcast, But Never In Despair

I woke up at 5:30 this morning, got ready for the day, and was driving to Caribou coffee at 6:15 with the goal to put the finishing touches on my upcoming lessons for the next few days. I knew I'd have limited prep time with my many meetings and agenda items ahead, and I wanted a quiet hour in the morning to complete them during the time I do my best work. The starry skies blinked their still visible constellations as I traveled my early route.

But I drove across town with a heavy heart, my mind linked, and yet at the same time, detached from the lessons I had to finish for my classes.

We just spent four weeks reading The Diary of Anne Frank. Year after year of teaching this nonfiction work of literature, there is always one student who says, "It isn't fair that Anne had to suffer because she was different. That's not kind." I spend weeks teaching tolerance. I spend weeks teaching my students that while it's okay to disagree, it is not okay to be unkind. We spend time researching how one person influenced millions to believe that some people were not fit to work, fit to live, and ultimately, these people were sent to die. 

Strong Together

It has been eight days since my last post.

Life has been very busy, my friends and readers, and it has been particularly stressful the past several days. That is, however, no excuse for not writing. Hopefully my everyday activities have calmed down somewhat, which is why I am back today with a new post.

Today's topic is about reserving judgment. We all say we try not to judge others, but yet it seems that we do it anyway. Reserving judgment is something that takes willpower and the ability to put aside impressions of others until you get to know them.

For I Shall Not Pass This Way Again

"I expect to pass through this world but once; any good therefore I can do, or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." -Stephan Grellet

I suppose I am just like any other twenty-something: I love my social media. But lately, being on social media frustrates me. While we have many good people who write inspiring and uplifting posts, we also have people who insist upon writing negative opinions about people when it is simply not their place to do so. It saddens me. It hurts me. And above all, the intolerance people show others upsets me to my very core.

When did it become acceptable for people to ignore all basic courtesies in our world?

You are entitled to your opinions. That is a basic human right. But there is a fine line to walk when you start blurting your opinions everywhere - whether it be on social media or in a conversation with people. Just because you want to say them does not mean everyone wants to hear or read them, especially if it is hurtful to others. Words beget action. Action produces consequences, good or bad. It is important to remember to guard our words and actions when the situation calls. It is never good to use words or actions that hurt. Regarding media, I will tell you what I tell my students: