Thoughts to Inspire Positivity

Recharge! Reflect! Renew! 
Recharge! Reflect! Renew! 

As the 2015-16 school year draws to a close here in New York State, it is time to reflect on all the positives. Last night, #NYEDChat brought its year to a close while the strawberry moon was floating in the sky (not to be seen by me-oh, well). Connected educators celebrated sharing the pulsebeat of the possible. They gathered as a tribe to move beyond oneness, banding together to strike a balance in a world of dissonance. Why did we come from near and far to gather? It was for the right reasons-to celebrate our professional and personal learning with each other. 

With new and veteran #NYEDChat members, the roar of voices conversing reached beyond our state last night. Educators and even a student leader from New Zealand, James Anderson, connected, despite our distances. We listened, leaned in to learning, and most importantly chatted about the positives of the year. Emily Pascual from the upper part of New York State joined in the conversation with a statement from the heart.

We may have closed the doors for the summer months at #NYEDChat last night but we know we will return at the end of the summer and share new learnings and the positive moments of our summers.

The countdown to summer relaxation begins this week. It is time to direct attention to our summer bucket lists that should recharge our batteries.

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FOR EDUCATORS and CONNECTED COLLEAGUES:

This summer, luxuriate in relaxation, reacquaint yourself with your passions, pick up the book that has been waiting for you, and enjoy downtime, a precious commodity. 

REMINDER FOR CONNECTED EDUCATORS and COLLEAGUES:

Let your mind wander to creative spots to renew your energy for another new year of life and learning.

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Before I close, I would like to give a shout out to the #DareToBe Community led by my Twitter friend, Andrea Sanchez. When I joined the chat midstream tonight I heard the word recharging and knew that I was in the right spot. The conversation recharged my energy and focused my thoughts as I listened to the ideas of others and tweeted along. By the end of the chat, I refueled my energy so that I could wrap up this slice.

If you don't take the time to recharge, you risk the chance to savor the sweet moments of life. Recharging is a necessity of life. It is the spark to reflect and renew our spirits.

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Every Tuesday, Two Writing Teachers call together educators to write Slices of Life. Visit the site here to read this week's posts.

Slicers, may your summer days be filled with relaxation and rejuvenation. 

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Simplify Life

WARNING: 

When you are eager to simplify life, do not spend time juggling several balls.

LESSON LEARNED:

An early spring cleaning spree has helped me clear a path to a non-cluttered approach to writing and life, but wanting to get as much done in a given day may not be a thoughtful plan. Unless you are mindful of each moment too many plans may lead to error, as I well know. I opened this draft today and realized that in the midst of juggling several balls I dropped one. My completed draft to this post was sent into cyberspace with no way to retrieve it. Having only a few thoughts facing me left me speechless or should I say writerless.

RESULT:

I turned to the wisdom of Mother Theresa, who in her saintly way started with what is possible. With simplicity and grace, she brought about change through a simple life of self-sacrifice and service. She exemplified the mantra, "Less is More."

While I am not saying that each of us needs to change the world, we do need to live a mindful life, savoring each moment to benefit ourselves and impact others. 

LIVING LIFE MANTRA:

-ACTION PLAN-
STEPS TO SIMPLIFY LIFE:

Awaken a mindful spirit.
Be present in the moment.
Delight in the beauty of nature.
Admire what is surrounding you.
Believe in a faith-filled and intentful journey.
Wait with bold wonder until the light of love and peace shines forth. 

Then, pause and reflect, before moving on.
SELAH!

“The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service and the fruit of service is peace.” 
~Mother Theresa, A Simple Path

You can listen and read a sample of Mother Theresa's book, A Simple Life here. 

The Spiritual Journey Thursday (SJT) community under the direction of Holly Mueller is examining the spiritual side of each of our one words that guide our journeys. This week, Linda Kulp's One Word, simplify, is the topic of discussion. My Steps to Simplify Life Plan contains all of the one words in italics that we have or will examine. You can access the SJT site here.

Today marks the seventeeth post of my Clearing a Path series for Two Writing Teachers' March SOLSC - Day 17. Please visit the site here to read what other small moments slicers are writing about.