January is here and I'm feeling all the feels. Time with family over break was amazing, and we actually took some time to just relax. It was much needed. It is crazy how things happen in our lives that we aren't expecting, or that we need, but don't know we need.
Daily, I want to get off social media. I try hard to stay away from those that complain nonstop. I haven't left yet because I love seeing the highlights of the things I've posted in the past including great memories from my personal and professional life with my family and friends and colleagues.
Early this week, I got a text from a former colleague, who was an amazing teacher. I encourage her every time I correspond with her to get back into it when she's ready. She's top tier. And because she is who she is, I take what she says very seriously. She was disappointed about the way her child's school welcomed kids back after the winter break. No energy, no hoopla, no fun. Coming back in January is hard after that long break, and as she pointed out, kids are dragging. Why should the parents and kids see that the teachers and school staff are also dragging? Why would anyone want to walk in the doors if that is what they observed?
.jpg)
Lucky for my friend, I told her, don't worry. Our school is doing it differently (which we had already planned). Last year we started a new tradition. On the first day back in January, we greet students from cars and buses in larger than life inflatable costumes! This year we added pom poms for those not in costumes. Its not perfect, but its definitely fun! Our kids smiled, laughed and looked a little confused.
Why do we do it? Because why not? The world is negative and the fun is being sucked out. Let's all find ways to share the positive, promote the fun and spread a smile. As the week wound down and I was in my sweats shopping with the family, we ran into another former colleague. I haven't seen her in a long time and I was so excited. I think I went for the hug before I finished saying hi. After we talked and caught up for a few minutes, she reminded me about something I cannot forget. She said, "don't stop posting about the great things you are doing, we need to see it."
