For me, it’s two things. The first is that I am giving my kids things I never had. I listen when they speak. They are allowed to have feelings and opinions. I am consistent. I love them completely. I model what it is to be human with flaws and boundaries and apologies.
The other is that, on top of being a high school English teacher, I am coordinator for all of the language learners (those for whom English is not their first language) at my school. I overaee their schedules and teachers and adcocate for them. And I am damn good at my job. I love these kids. I am organized and efficient and I know my stuff. So much of the time what I do feels invisible, but I keep going because of these kids. And in nine more days, I get to watch 11 of my Newcomers (once who arrived here in high school) graduate.
I am brave, bold, and independent. I am a survivor and I'm not afraid to start over again. I love fully and fiercely even when evidence says I should not.
In the first sentence of the novel I have not yet written, the main character, a young indigenous girl stands up at a midwestern city council meeting and says, “I have some to say!” … So much of what most of us would like to stand for, and be attributed to is related to doing the right things and for the benefit of all. But in the rage of our world it is difficult to stand out or self promote without becoming a target of someone else’s self-interest. My mother was of slight build but mighty spirit. She was not the type of person to watch as others were bullied or treated unfairly. I experienced her public selflessness countless times. But even though she was very good at discerning actual abuse versus lost privilege, she was also sometimes difficult to live with. So, I have tried to adopt her best attributes. Even though I have had a privileged life, I have purposefully given up opportunities for self advancement in favor of family needs and to make way for those less privileged. And I continue to do so. But just in a quieter way than my mom.
I love and am the least judgmental person you will ever meet. It doesn't mean that I am not judgemental, but when I am, it's with a delicate touch. I see the light in everyone, even when they may not be deserving. It's always there.
I am also, among many things, and intuitive empath. I'm very good at anticipating needs. I am always working on doing the same for myself, sometimes a challenging path.
Well this is a great prompt for me right now, because sometimes I need to remind myself that I am pretty darn great at what I do! I stress so much over the major burden I have to raise all the money and gather the donations we need to manage the organizations that I run, and it can make me really doubt myself and not treat myself very nicely. But then I remember that I am actually a kick ass fundraiser who single handedly manages to raise almost a half a million dollars every year via three separate organizations in three countries which each have boards of directors and donors that I have to engage with and answer to. I am able to connect people from around the world to the wellbeing of over 200 little beings in the jungle each year and make them feel like they are a part of something truly beautiful and important in a world where it is so easy to only see the negative and feel helpless in making any kind of change. I get to share my great big heart with all these kiddos who after 23 years are now in the hundreds. I get to be a mom to them and a grandma to their babies and I make them feel loved and important. Plus, I am pretty hilarious!
Been super busy and stressed trying to get all those donations and I have missed this community! I have to make sure to make time to come here and fill my heart too! Thanks for the reminder!
I love deeply and fiercely.
The highest praise, the highest calling.
For me, it’s two things. The first is that I am giving my kids things I never had. I listen when they speak. They are allowed to have feelings and opinions. I am consistent. I love them completely. I model what it is to be human with flaws and boundaries and apologies.
The other is that, on top of being a high school English teacher, I am coordinator for all of the language learners (those for whom English is not their first language) at my school. I overaee their schedules and teachers and adcocate for them. And I am damn good at my job. I love these kids. I am organized and efficient and I know my stuff. So much of the time what I do feels invisible, but I keep going because of these kids. And in nine more days, I get to watch 11 of my Newcomers (once who arrived here in high school) graduate.
Oh Jennica, this is fantastic. Your first is amazing, and I love it. And wow, your 2nd, what a calling, what a gift you're giving.
Wow. Can you tell I typed this when I was barely awake? Look at all those typos!!!
I am brave, bold, and independent. I am a survivor and I'm not afraid to start over again. I love fully and fiercely even when evidence says I should not.
"I'm not afraid to start over again." WOW. I love this so much.
In the first sentence of the novel I have not yet written, the main character, a young indigenous girl stands up at a midwestern city council meeting and says, “I have some to say!” … So much of what most of us would like to stand for, and be attributed to is related to doing the right things and for the benefit of all. But in the rage of our world it is difficult to stand out or self promote without becoming a target of someone else’s self-interest. My mother was of slight build but mighty spirit. She was not the type of person to watch as others were bullied or treated unfairly. I experienced her public selflessness countless times. But even though she was very good at discerning actual abuse versus lost privilege, she was also sometimes difficult to live with. So, I have tried to adopt her best attributes. Even though I have had a privileged life, I have purposefully given up opportunities for self advancement in favor of family needs and to make way for those less privileged. And I continue to do so. But just in a quieter way than my mom.
I have been known to
Turn my looking glass around
Without reflection
Your haiku!💚
Kevin this is so fantastic. Stunning haiku.
I love with my whole heart, no matter what.
Best. Thing. Ever.
I love and am the least judgmental person you will ever meet. It doesn't mean that I am not judgemental, but when I am, it's with a delicate touch. I see the light in everyone, even when they may not be deserving. It's always there.
I am also, among many things, and intuitive empath. I'm very good at anticipating needs. I am always working on doing the same for myself, sometimes a challenging path.
Your first sentence is one of the most important aspects of being an amazing human. Thank you for embodying it.
Tyler, you’re the best, I love these prompts.
I am kind and compassionate and fiercely protective of the people I love.
I am so proud of myself for learning to like and love myself after being made to believe I wasn’t worthy.
Heck yeah, you do. And, that dastardly behaviour says so much about them. Never on you.
You're the best, you being here makes this place better. Thank you for that.
Oh hai. Is 398 available as a light chaser? [Re: your typewriter situ on IG]
My superpower of always shining - dark or the shiniest sunbeam - means that I haven't, erm, made the most of this here space as of (rather late).
"Even stars need to sleep" is the gentlest & most tender reminder I have ever gotten, when it comes to being good to myself.
Hi, do you mean the original for sale? Or prints of it? And we DO have the original too! Email me if you want it!
I confused myself! I know I subscribed top tier, but forgot what my perks are. So, I emailed you & Lady G.
May as well fill my cup - I would also love the original (sad panda exchange rate be damned)
Ta muchly,
Jo x
Well this is a great prompt for me right now, because sometimes I need to remind myself that I am pretty darn great at what I do! I stress so much over the major burden I have to raise all the money and gather the donations we need to manage the organizations that I run, and it can make me really doubt myself and not treat myself very nicely. But then I remember that I am actually a kick ass fundraiser who single handedly manages to raise almost a half a million dollars every year via three separate organizations in three countries which each have boards of directors and donors that I have to engage with and answer to. I am able to connect people from around the world to the wellbeing of over 200 little beings in the jungle each year and make them feel like they are a part of something truly beautiful and important in a world where it is so easy to only see the negative and feel helpless in making any kind of change. I get to share my great big heart with all these kiddos who after 23 years are now in the hundreds. I get to be a mom to them and a grandma to their babies and I make them feel loved and important. Plus, I am pretty hilarious!
Been super busy and stressed trying to get all those donations and I have missed this community! I have to make sure to make time to come here and fill my heart too! Thanks for the reminder!
You're beyond great at what you do. Happy to see you own it!
My loyalty to those I love. I have so much fight in me. So much passion for the things that matter most.
Hi hi,
I hope there is room for investing that passion & love in yourself, too.
I'm so lucky to have a Viking who gently prods me to remember to grant myself the grace & love I give, intuitively, to others. He's a good egg.
I hope you're surrounded by good eggs, too.
Of course. I am one of the things that matters most 😁 And yes, I am surrounded by wonderful people in my life. I feel very thankful.