Mistakes are not the enemy.

"Instruction does not prevent wasted time or mistakes; and mistakes themselves are often the best teachers of all."


~ James Anthony Froude

Let's try to light a fire in a kid today.

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. "

~ William Butler Yeats


Sorry for the long absence, due to family illness. 


But, let's light a fire today. In word or deed. He or she may pass it on, today or years from now. You are doing important work!

Enjoy your rejuvenation!

You will affect many young people for the better in 2011!

Are you on autopilot?

You can "Take charge of your thoughts instead of allowing them to control you."
~ Norman Vincent Peale

How Not to Be a Zombie

This New York Times article discusses why - maybe - zombies are so hot right now.  In short, mindless slogging is what we fear, and it is what we fear we have already become: purposeless wage slaves, consumer sheep just going through the motions that we have programmed to do.

Psychologists - and Rick Warren - rightly tell us that having and feeling a purpose to our life is a key ingredient to long-term satisfaction and happiness.

Take heart, non-zombie!  You and I, O colleague,  have an advantage: ours is a helping profession. We can exist not on autopilot, but purposefully, to bless others. Our society depends on our shaping future adults to be intelligent and sane. May you have a good week as you go about that serious work, being mindful of your importance! Zombies be gone!

Sincere Condolences

My family offers its condolences to the family and friends of Sam Hengel, who was a son, friend, scout, Tae Kwon Do participant, and student.

Focus on a strength.

"The artist who aims  at perfection in everything achieves it in nothing."
~ Eugene Delacroix

It is true you have some weaknesses, like all of us. Chances are they are not sinking you. Certainly you cannot eliminate them all. Effectiveness depends more on focusing on strengths.

Think of a particular strength of yours.

Give thanks for it.

How can you build on it just a little bit, to bless others?

Be well, O colleague.