Dear Difference Maker,

This coming weekend is Mother’s Day.  I still remember how much peace of mind I felt as a young mother when I first read Speak to Us of Children which is based on the works of Lebanese-American Author, Poet and Philosopher Kahlil Gibran.

I first read this most complete explanation of what being a parent really means, early in my teaching career.

Then I had children of my own, and as I felt the gut wrenching grip of parental fear come over me time and time again … the words from this beautiful prose poem would bring me back to the basics, and I would “know” what to do … or not do!

Click here to watch.

The most meaningful phrases for me are:

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

And as soon as I revisit this concept, I’d immediately begin to feel better…

It is my hope that you will enjoy this movie and find peace, solace and direction through its message. Please feel free to pass this along to those who will appreciate receiving it from you.

I’d like to acknowledge parents everywhere because when it’s all said and done, you may not feel successful in other areas of your life, but you will always have the love of your children and that’s what really matters.  Thank you for the difference you are making.

Reaching out …

See Person in Question “As If” They Already Are Successful

WHEN WORKING WITH people who are challenging, this strategy allows for all levels of opening in human behavior and conditioning.

Over the years, the most success that I have experienced with children and adolescents comes from using this strategy. Regardless of the way they initially behaved or performed in my classroom, I continued to see them and treat them “as if’ they could do absolutely everything I was asking of them. The outcome was that they did everything I required and more. Their test scores proved it, not only in their daily work, but on the Scholastic Aptitude Tests given at the end of each year. One year, my students’ scores revealed an overall average of 2.5 years growth in my classroom. The norm for an average gain is 1 to1.5 years growth per year.

This is a wonderful strategy to apply in your personal life as well. In becoming an author and public speaker, not only did I have to design my own path, I had to see myself walking it. I was nervous and anxious in preparing for engagements. I practiced seeing myself “as if” I were an already recognized author and speaker. It not only calmed me, but it also allowed me to feel fully present and professional during those early moments of a presentation.

Someone has to believe in you, and it helps to have supporters cheering you on . However, it all comes down to you who does the doing. You’ll do yourself a great service by seeing yourself “as if.” The sooner the better.

Treat people as if they were what they should be,
and you help them become
what they are capable of becoming.
-JOHANN WOLFGANG GOETHE

Keep It Simple & Straightforward

Reignite Your Light

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Get Your Free FlipBook You Are A Success! (SAVE to FAVORITES)

Step 2: Toggle FlipBook to Full Screen (if it doesn’t fill your screen)

Step 3: Get Companion Resources

5 FREE “I Make A Difference” Wristbands |9 Weeks to an Inclusive Classroom

Step 4: Connect with the Community

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