Control the Controllables

The past year and a half in education has been like that of no other I have ever seen or experienced in my lifetime. Educators, students, and administrators have had to deal with so many new variables and changes in such a short amount of time. Many in education had hoped to start this school year as normal as possible but as it looks across America, it is anything but that. Heated debates over masks, vaccines, and curriculum content have come full circle across communities and board meetings. Many are still getting sick with the virus. It is easy to feel burnt out, split, and overwhelmed by it all. We can CHOOSE to let the current circumstances we face daily bring us down and or we can RISE above it by choosing to do one thing; CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES! 

Things you and I can do and control to make a daily difference in our lives

1. ATTITUDE. Instead of saying I HAVE TO do this or that, change your mindset to I GET TO or I CHOOSE TO. The way we talk to ourselves is SUPER powerful. 

2. JOURNAL daily and reflect on your WINS from each day. 

3. Find ways to SERVE and make a DIFFERENCE in the lives of others.

4. Don't let yourself get stale. Find things that INSPIRE and MOTIVATE you inside and outside of school. This year I have been teaching myself physics and writing a novel on the side. It has been a lot of fun and a great distraction.

5. Find a mentor and meet with them once a month. We GROW when we COLLABORATE and SHARE with others!

6. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WORKOUTS. Find time to be with your thoughts, meditate, and get that heart rate up a few times a week! 

7. Take GRATITUDE walks and get out in NATURE. 

8. Find people you can LAUGH and GROW with. If they aren't at your school, find a community online, church, the gym, or take a class. 

9. Stay CONNECTED with family, friends, and peers. It can be easy to stay isolated but if you feel comfortable, make time for others. Human connection is something that we need and thrive off. 

10. SMILE more...even if it has to be through a mask right now. 

Find time to control the controllables this school year so the uncontrollables don't dominate your life. Your daily attitude and actions matter. I wish you a terrific school year whatever challenges it brings. Choose to RISE above the negativity and BRING IT!