This one sentence from Dr. Wayne Dyer can help you interact more positively with every single person.

Dr. Wayne Dyer -- whose words on thought, spirituality, and positive intent towards others blessed so many -- passed away yesterday.

I want to repost a sentence he wrote that changed my life, and can change yours, if we will remember to do what he recommends.

This one sentence of his really helps my whole outlook and all interactions with people, from strangers, students, and parents,  to colleagues and family. It helps me keep love at the center of what I'm about as an instructor and encourager. I hope it helps you, too. Here it is . . .

"See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see."

A slightly scary (but very inspiring!) back-to-school message for you . . .

I know some of you in other states have been back to school for a while. Others like us here in Michigan won't be back at it until September.

Whatever the case: Happy New Year!

Here is the annual re-posting of one of my favorites. A few years ago Matt Reeves, then my assistant principal, read this to the staff on the day before school. So now I 'm passing it on as a back-to-school thought that is both cautionary and inspiring:

"I have come to a frightening conclusion.

I am the decisive element in the classroom.
It is my personal approach that creates the climate.
It is my daily mood that makes the weather.
As a teacher I possess tremendous power to make a child's life 
miserable or joyous.

I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.
I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis
will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or de-humanized."

~ Haim Ginott 

from Teacher and Child: A Book for Parents and Teachers, 1972

This one thought (from the often cynical Kurt Vonnegut) can actually make you a lot happier.

photo by Steven Daniel, w/ permission

But for integrity's sake, I'm not going to post his words here, since I found them at the great Brain Pickings, written and compiled by Maria Popova. There you'll hear Kurt relay what fellow sardonic novelist Joseph Heller told him when confronted with the wealth of a super-rich person. He's got me reviewing my situation this morning. Enjoy.

12 Ways to Fight that Burned-Out-Teacher Feeling

photo © 2015  Elizabeth Lynch

Feeling like ol' Rosie there on the left? Vicki Davis has posted 12 good ideas HERE to help avoid burnout as we enter the homestretch.

This one sentence from the Sultan of Swat could change your life, no lie.

True, he had 1330 strikeouts. But: 714 home runs! Plus, the ol' Sultan of Swat changed the game of baseball and American culture along the way.

His words of wisdom?

"Never let the fear of striking out get in your way."

Is there something in your life you're thinking of trying? Remember it's the things we don't try that we usually regret the most later: the "what-ifs" and "if-onlies." Even if you try and whiff (that's "fail" for you non-baseball-lovin' colleagues out there) . . .  you've still learned something: what doesn't work.

So: what is that thing you'd like to try, but are worried about?

Step into the batter's box, O colleague. Not to try insures failure, doesn't it? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Best wishes on it.

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!