What is luck? The right place, the right time or something we can put an effort toward? In Pádraig Ó Tuama’s weekly newsletter, he writes about the contronym of the word want. Want can be a wish or a lack of. He asks what word are you thinking about this week? For me, it’s luck.
I attended my sorority’s state convention yesterday (Alpha Delta Kappa for educators), and I felt lucky four times. I was a first timer, so I went up to get a little prize. I had received a classroom grant, a certificate. I won a door prize. And I raised the most funds for the International Altruistic Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, another certificate. A combination of luck and hard work.
I have to admit I was overwhelmed by the attention. It was all so unexpected. I know we teachers work hard to make the best experiences we can for our students. We don’t do this for recognition. We do it because we care about kids.
My Friday was a rough day. My students were tired from the week of holding all the expectations that are placed on gifted kids. All they really needed was a brain break. I need to remember this and lay a more gentle hand on them and on myself.
Do you know about the junk bug? Another weekly newsletter I receive is Suleika Jaouad’s Isolation Journals.
Rhonda Willers writes about the junk bug, how it carries the carcasses of its prey on its back and transforms into a lacewing.
The sensation of fear is a reminder not to stop, but instead to be aware, slow down, to notice more.
Rhonda Willers
Maybe this slice is going all over the place, but my mind feels like this at the moment, a strange combination of luck (blessings) and fear. Standing on a line between, balancing and hoping to stay stable, calm, and okay.
Lacewing
Margaret Simon, elfchen of the day
fragile balance
lime body lifts
shaking off dead skin
Begin
Reflections on the Teche 