30 Days of Gratitude: Orion and Cassiopeia (Day 2)

We live in a beautiful world. We are surrounded by indescribable wonder every day, even when it seems like our world is having a tough time with all the death, terror, and destruction. We need to remember to see the beauty of every day and positively influence our world in a way that will build it up, not tear it down.

Orion and Cassiopeia (Day 2)

I have always found solace in the stars. I collect astronomy manuals, subscribe to astronomy magazines, and watch for celestial events in the sky.

I am grateful for the beauty of the world we live in and everything beyond it that is out of our reach. I love seeing Orion off to the south this time of year. There is something soothing about seeing the endless stars, a display of light across the heavens.

I am grateful for the stars because they remind me that even in the midst of my problems, I am really just a small part in the whole scheme of the universe. And that makes me realize that my problems really aren't as difficult as I make them seem. Call it what you will, but everything is always resolved in time.

And lastly, I am grateful for the moments that I remember the stars. It is a gentle reminder from the world to slow down and enjoy the things I don't always understand. Our lives are limited, and I am grateful for the moments where I can find beauty on a difficult day.

Where do you find beauty every day?

30 Days of Gratitude: All the World's a Stage (Day 1)

Happy November dear readers!

I hope you had a fun (and safe) Halloween! Now with Thanksgiving around the corner, it is that time of year where we reflect on all our blessings in life. To try something new (and to encourage myself to write more the month of November), I will spend the next 30 days of this month with one brief post per day about something I am thankful for. I hope you will take the time to reflect on what makes you most grateful in this life - please feel free to comment on any post in the next 30 days with what makes you truly grateful.

All the World's a Stage (Day 1)

New opportunities are important to me. I have written previously about not becoming stagnant in life, and I savor the chance to try new things. The newest endeavor in my life right now is theatre.

I am grateful to be the theatre director at my school this year. While it has had its many ups and downs so far (no new endeavor is ever easy or perfect!) I am enjoying this different aspect of education and seeing my students in a whole new light. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them and help foster a talent that they so creatively possess. I love seeing them get excited about the musical selections of our production, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that they are all incredible young people.

I am grateful for the people who are helping me in this new endeavor. I could not manage without these passionate individuals providing help, instruction, insights, positivity, and most importantly, fun and laughter. They are lifesavers, and they know who they are (whether they work with me every day or provide insight on the theatre operations from many miles away). Thank you all - you are the best.

And lastly, I am grateful to have music in my life once again after a time that I had abandoned it. I can only thank the theatre for this - music for so long held a special place in my heart, and when the music changed for me many years ago, it was hard to continue with it. But now I find myself humming more, playing guitar and piano more, and listening to music more.

I am grateful for all I am continuing to learn about this endeavor. I know I will make mistakes, but it is all a part of this learning process. 

After all, all the world's a stage.

More Than Enough

"There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." - Nelson Mandela

I love my job.

And in all honesty, I probably don't say that enough. To have a career that gives me purpose every day is a blessing beyond relief. I know too many people who do not enjoy what they do, and as a result, it seems like an immense burden in their lives. I cannot imagine a life where I dread getting up every morning, where every task seems impossible and difficult. 

Every morning I wake up, I think, what learning is going to take place in my classroom today? It is more than enough. More than enough to motivate me to be at the school at 7:00 some mornings, eagerly planning the day's activities. It is more than enough to keep me awake some nights, thinking of new activities that will inspire my students to think differently, to think creatively, and to question the everyday occurrences in our world. 

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.

Success Is Not For The Lazy

Success is not for the lazy.

I remember my first meeting with my initial university representative as a freshman. He had asked me, "Do you want to pursue a four-year or five-year graduation plan?" I was baffled - my major of English Education with a Communications emphasis seemed straightforward enough, and I didn't see how it would take more than 4 years to complete. I mentioned as such to him, and he laughed, stating, "Some people enjoy spending more time in college. It's not that you can't finish in four years, but some people like to take their time."

Not me. I completed my degree in exactly four years. Why waste a year of my life stretching out my coursework? I was adamant, keeping close watch on my credits and GPA so that I could finish on time and pursue the profession I wanted.

National Poetry Day!

Let's take a break from the usual, shall we?

It's National Poetry Day! In honor of today I have compiled a special list of favorites for you: my favorite poems! But wait, before you freak out and go, oh my gosh I hate poetry, please hear me out. Poetry is a beautiful thing, but like you, I have not always loved it. It is something that takes time to fully feel and understand, but everyone has already experienced this in a way: music is poetry. I know you can name at least one song that made you feel something. Empowerment. Sorrow. Inspiration. Whatever it may be, poetry has the same effect. Without further ado, I present my favorites:

Hello October!

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." - L. M. Montgomery

Happy October 1st, my friends! I love October. It is my favorite month of the year. The crisp autumn air, the falling leaves, the explosion of color that only comes with the changing seasons. October is a time of transition into winter. It is a reminder to enjoy life in all its seasons and to have appreciation for things we so often take for granted.

What do you love most about your favorite season?