For years I've claimed a OLW (One Little Word), but mantras also seem to attach themselves to me. (You can see some of my past mantras here...and long, long ago here, here, here, and here.)
Lately it's been this:
{Be faithful in small things}
As the school year speeds to a close, I'd like to invite you to pause and claim a small mantra. I do my best thinking in my notebook. If you do too, then grab your notebook and jot down a few wisps that come to mind.
- What are some of the important things about the work you do?
- How do you wish you felt at the end of most days?
- If you had a magic wand, what is one thing you would change?
- What is virtue would you like more of in your life?
I'm a firm believer in never extending a writing assignment to another that I haven't done myself. So here are my answers...
- Making connections; empowering others to write; making others smile; lifting stress; breaking down big processes into manageable steps
- Peaceful; joyful; relaxed
- Feeling like I don't get enough done
- Peace; contentment
It's not surprising how my current mantra found me. When we slow down and jot a few reflective thoughts on paper, we make space for positive changes in our lives. You are not too busy to reflect. You are not too busy to claim a mantra. In fact, this might just be the thing that makes the end of this school year the best one yet!
Take time to choose the path you will walk these final weeks of the school year. I'd love for you to share your mantra with me and others. Just leave a comment below.
I've fancied up my Why I Write mantra (inspired by Jeff Goins). I shared it with all of my Email Pals (I love to share goodies like this). If we aren't Email Pals yet, today is a good time to sign up. Just fill out the form below and I'll send you the printable version of the Why I Write mantra.
You have me thinking hard, Ruth...I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tara! I can't wait to see what you end up with.
DeleteSame here! Thanks for emphasizing the importance & necessity of both seeking/developing a vision that is both fitting & attainable for the work that we do. And I appreciate your insight on the evolving nature of a mantra. We MUST indeed have time for this. To be continued ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Can't wait to hear what you decide.
DeleteWhat are some of the important things about the work you do? - valuing others, helping them feel worthy and like dreaming is possible and necessary and okay, smiling, encouraging others to take risks, believing in others, modeling a growth mindset
ReplyDeleteHow do you wish you felt at the end of most days? energized
If you had a magic wand, what is one thing you would change? overwhelming pressures put on teachers for things that aren't important when it comes to impacting student learning
What is virtue would you like more of in your life? trust
My mantra is: I believe I can and I will. I adopted this last year and I've tried to live it and use it to push myself toward my goals and dreams...but I also believe it for others. Sometimes it's: I believe you can and you will. I believe we can and we will. We believe we can and we will. But it reminds me that if I want to put my mind to something, I can make it happen.
Thanks for encouraging me to think! These were great questions!
I love that you let me peek into your notebook! I was excited about the question list too. The virtue question really made me pause and think.
DeleteRuth