Can removing a tattoo change your life? It did when a woman replaced $ with Love.

photo from thistlefarms.org

This has little to do with teaching, but certainly something to do with the education of souls.
In Memphis is a wonderful place called Magdalene, a home for women attempting to leave prostitution. 

For two years all their needs are paid for and they receive counseling and job training. Many end up working in this award-winning endeavor's social enterprise, Thistle Farms (which makes some very nice bath/body type products by the way).

On their blog you'll find THIS inspiring story about a woman who got a dollar sign tattoo years ago, since she represented only money to her pimp. That was her identity, Money. Later, though, through the transforming power of lovingkindness and grace, her image of herself had changed. She had made a change in life, but the tattoo kept reminding her of her past and bringing her down. Until some people decided to help. . . 

Avoid these 10 things like the plague if you want a happier year.

Photo by Gert Gemeraad.

Henrik Edberg of the Positivity Blog has a helpful list of what to avoid for a more positive year. Maybe one or two of his suggestions will help you. Be well!

Haim Ginott thinks what you accomplish is miraculous.

"Teachers are expected 
to reach unattainable goals
with inadequate tools.
The miracle is that at times
they accomplish
this impossible task."

~ Haim Ginott

You teach, therefore . . .

. . . you touch the future. The same is true for administrators and support personnel. We all are affecting future citizens, for the good. Happy New Year!

Lolly Daskal reminds us what to focus on, to lead a better life.

"Learn how to shift your focus
from being successful
to being significant."

~ Lolly Daskal

Lolly is an inspirational speaker, motivational coach, and author whose emphasis is on leading from within. She writes about how personal values are more important than management strategies or fads. I'll bet if you're in the education profession, you're not obsessed with success or getting ahead; sometimes mere survival is the order of the day! But Lolly reminds us to remember our focus: as educators we are significant in the development of future men and women. In the year to come, recall that you really matter in children's or young adults' lives as you help them grow.

This is Malala's awesome answer to the Taliban (and some cool thoughts on education too).

Hear Malala's amazing answer to herself when she thinks about hitting a Taliban with a shoe at about 4:30. But the whole clip is really worth hearing, especially her thoughts on the importance of your profession.

Students are discovering new things . . . thanks to you!

"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery."

- Mark van Doren