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In Good Times and Bad
I talk to my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders about how each of us has multiple urges to do things that often conflict with each other. In an attempt to simplify the concept for 6, 7, and 8 year-olds, I try to talk about it in terms of one voice that tells us to make choices that bring us up and another voice that tells us to make choices that bring us down.
One of Matt’s family members just died, and I almost listened to the voice that was advising me to bring myself down.
You see, I was really looking forward to this weekend. I’ve had a tremendously stressful … Read More
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Mid-Month Reflection
Yes, it is way past the “mid-month” point. But in a few short days, I will be reflecting on the past month. I need to do a brief check-in with myself and make sure I’m on track.Here were my goals for February:
- I want to do a better job of tracking our spending, using our index-card method. This approach works really well for me, but it’s hard for me to keep track of Matt’s spending when he goes on an errand. We have a new system for putting receipts in a particular place, so it should get easier. [Phew! We’re doing this!]
- I want to completely organize my classroom
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Just Saying No
Part of making space for myself to think big thoughts and follow my passions involves saying no to other people’s requests, even when they’re offering up seemingly good opportunities.Just last week, I had to respond to two good requests with a “thank-you-so-much-for-thinking-of-me-but-I-can’t-possibly-squeeze-it-in-right-now” message. It’s hard to do, but it is oh-so necessary. I honestly cannot take on a single additional thing for someone else. In fact, I need to do the opposite. I need to scrutinize my current commitments and see what I can eliminate.
It doesn’t mean that I’m going to put on blinders and close myself off to all opportunities in dogged pursuit of my own goals. … Read More
