Calling to mind core principles as the new school year approaches

Photo taken in Colorado during this summer’s visit.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth.”

In a few weeks, I will be heading back to work. This will be my eighth year as a special education teacher teaching in an urban district. I love my job, but it does have its (sometimes extreme) challenges. Without going into detail, I anticipate that this upcoming year will pack its share of trials. With this in mind, I was recently prompted by a post on FB that got me to thinking about the importance of reviewing my core principles that will anchor me when the seas get rough, as I know they will. I have found that the more I focus on what I feel to be my foundational core values, I am more easily able to let go of all the other “stuff” that can zap me of my energy and zeal for excellence. Perhaps others will be able to relate, as work—regardless of the type, is often a major cause of stress. 

So here’s my short list of Core Principles:

1) Love. Love is where it’s at. In my opinion, it’s why we are here. Our entire life is a lesson in learning to love deeply and well. It’s what brings true joy and satisfaction.

2) In order to love well, I seek to embrace gentleness and kindness—EVERYDAY…even and especially when I am tired, frustrated, and burned out. This will not always eliminate the need for firmness when others are jerks. ;—)

3) Pace myself. Keeping the work load (which is always overflowing) as evenly spread out as possible is important. It helps me to not burn out, to not miss things, etc.

4) Seek to see things from the other person’s perspective. Make a habit of asking myself, “What am I not seeing in this situation?”

5) Things to avoid: time and energy zappers, negative people, junk food, overly checking the news, social media, etc., comparing myself with others, negative self-talk, and complaining 

6) Remember that I (and the entire universe) is wrapped in love….”All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”