So.
Here we are.
Facing the year 2017.
The path our lives take us is often not quite what we thought it would be.
Right?
As I reflect upon this past year and where life finds me at a half century old, a few key quotes and words continue to surface. The first is a quote I heard in July and has motivated me to look at the small things and what potential they have in making a huge difference.
It is said the small flutter of a butterflies’ wings can create a typhoon halfway around the world.
Do you remember the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”? This past couple of weeks, the thought of this story has come to me often in relation to this quote. We often think our lives are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. However, this is the farthest from the truth. Think about an angel showing you the world without you in it. The realization of all the little things you were part of and made a ripple in someone else’s life is the typhoon.
My message to every single one of you is: YOU Matter. YOUR life matters. Dig deep inside of yourself and find all the small acts you do everyday that make a difference in other’s lives… Whether it is in your children, grandchildren, a neighbor, a teacher, a friend, or a stranger… continue to reach out and spread your wings.
CHOOSE JOY.
Some of you do not even realize when you are impacting others. I think of Lisa, a colleague in a former school I taught. She transferred to another school. I’ve since done the same. We haven’t spent hardly any time together, yet I’ve watched her life and message from afar. A breast cancer survivor, she made it her mission to “Choose Joy”. I am sure she has her days and her struggles, as we all do, yet she spreads endless joy often and supports many with her positive outlook and love.
I encourage you to reach out and spread your wings. Life is a process.
SCATTER KINDNESS
I just read today a story from another kind soul named Carolyn. Once a month she goes to the dollar store and spends $25.00 on a small bag and fills it with toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, crackers, gloves, socks, etc… and then gives this to who is placed on her heart as she drives in her community.
There are so many small acts like the above we all can be part of… I encourage you to reach out and spread your wings.
BE BRAVE
About three years ago I entered into the world of Educational Activism. I was a bit scared to take the step. It pained me to witness the shifts in education and the emphasis on testing. I began to write and research around this topic, spoke at Senate Hearings, went to Town Hall Meetings, wrote Legislators, and wrote my school board among other things. At times it was grueling. If you’d like to learn more about this topic, you can find my education website at: http://www.divinesparkignites.com
Each of you have something in your heart or see something in our world needing a change. Speak out. YOUR voice matters. Act. Reach out and spread your wings.
And ROAR!
BALANCE
The image of the butterfly will continue to hover in my mind. It’s not just for its divergent beauty… more… it’s for the symbolism it represents. Life is about change.
I’m striving to learn to embrace change and accept differences… even in my own home. There are days when the alarm goes off, I want to stay wrapped up in my covers and put the pillow over my head. The routine seems overwhelming, the effort too much, and I sigh.
Then I put one leg on the floor, then the other, and begin my day. There is a son waiting for me, a husband who loves me, children at my school who need encouragement, dynamic teachers who need my support, friends who need a hug, and family relationships to foster.
And then there is me… I count too. So do you. We must find the sweet spot called “BALANCE”. How? This is the challenge… maybe the greatest one of all. Finding time for ourselves to rejuvenate so we can be the Brave Butterfly.
MY PERSONAL THREE COMMITMENTS
The first is to read the book: “The Butterfly Effect”. I heard the author Andy Andrews speak and his inspiring message about how each of our lives matter inspire me to flutter my wings.
The second is filling “My Why” Zipper Pouch. When I need to be reminded about what matters most, I will look within and smile. As of now, I have a picture, a butterfly craft made by a 6th grade girl, and a one dollar bill.
Finally, I hope to spend time with a new friend, Zoe, and make a Vision Board. We are going to get tons of magazines and start cutting and pasting. My goal is to complete it by end of January. I will be sure to share when it is complete.
My question now: In 2017, how will you “Choose Joy”, “Scatter Kindness”, and “Spread YOUR Brave Wings”?
With Brave Wings I’m Flying,
RAZ
My dream is to infuse the arts and involve the girls in promoting kindness throughout the school. We will brainstorm together how their lives can make a difference in the school community and beyond. I hope to inspire them to find their wings.
BE-YOU-tiful Butterflies 