Choose Calm

Oct 15, 2023

It was just one of the numerous comments I heard from educators about nature’s perfect storm: “If we make it out alive, I think we should get combat pay for teaching on Friday the thirteenth with a solar eclipse following the next day.” In addition to discussions, social media memes stirred up a hyper-focus on the escalated behaviors students were sure to exhibit. Not surprisingly, many kids lived up to the expectation.

Though I’m certain we joke about these things to relieve stress, we need to keep in mind the power of attention. When we focus on something, we magnify it, making it larger. Unfortunately, adults’ words, body language, and emotional states often radiate the very behaviors we don’t want children to mirror.

We all know people who stir up drama. [Often times, I don’t believe the individuals are even aware they are doing so. Because drama is their default, that becomes their norm.] We also know grounded individuals who avoid the drama, contributing to a healthy emotional climate. My suggestion? Step away from crazy and choose the calm. Don’t give attention to negative behaviors. Not only will this help you stay sane, but it will help those around you do the same, as well.

Or as my wife so eloquently puts it: “If you feed the weeds, they will grow. So, tend your garden wisely.”

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