Make It Better

When kids get a “boo-boo,” many parents stop the tears with a kiss to make it better. Nowadays, most adults experience a “too, too” life - too busy, too tired, too stressed. That’s been my story lately anyway, which has kept me away from blogging and making. If you’d like to erase those “too’s” as well, here are some summer projects to make it better:
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1.  Make a clean sweep of what isn’t working for you. Let go of the book you’ve been trying to read all year but never got into, of the messy desk, of the pressure to have a Pinterest classroom ...​

2.  Make peace with your mistakes and those of others. Maybe there were some low points during this school year. As the quote goes, “To err is human; to blame it on someone else is even more human!” Let the summer sun melt those negative feelings away, and show yourself and others some forgiveness.​

3.  Make a better life for yourself. Get some rest and a whole lotta belly laughs this summer! Refill the vessel and be more intentional about what you will give of yourself, your money, and time to next year.

4.  Make a head start. Make a plan to learn something new or master a skill by taking an online course, reading a book, or growing your professional learning network (#PLN) on Twitter or a Facebook group. There are lots of people outside your city limits that can help, inspire, and encourage you.

5.  Make a go of it. Whether you’re learning new writing strategies or how to make macarons, take some time for yourself and dig deeper. Use the same advice that you normally give to students. (Hint: practice + time = improvement + gratification)

6.  Make way for new experiences. You know those large signs on the back of slow moving or oversized vehicles? They caution us to make way for them on the roads. Be on the lookout for larger-than-life experiences this summer but instead of swerving to the right, meet them head on. Try ziplining or eating some exotic delicacy. Stepping outside of our own comfort zones helps us to relate to our students when they feel afraid to try or want to give up.

7.  Make space for unexpected surprises. There may be unexplained “coincidences” that align with where we’re headed or, alternately, roadblocks and detours along our learning journey. Either way, take notice and follow the path that feels right.

8.  Make a beeline for what you’re passionate about. Go for it! Want to try a new teaching framework or resource next year? Just do it! Don’t look for ways to talk yourself out of it.

9.  Make do with what you’ve got. Can’t afford all the bells and whistles? No worries.  Working within our constraints forces our minds to come up with creative solutions.

10.  Make a comeback in September! If Abba and The Eagles can do it, so can you!

Wishing you a great summer of making margaritas, memories, and a renewed mojo!