The end of 2011 has me really thinking about life, work, parenthood, and teacherhood. 
I’m trying to put things into perspective. What are the tops of my lists? At home – quality time with my family. At school – time to invest in the learning of my students. This vacation break, I’ve decided to really look at my time and how I spend it. I’m going unplugged for much of the vacation, checking in here and there at emails and tweets, reading blogs and books at my leisure. My main focus, though is to spend time with my own kids while I have this time.
I put a lot of energy blogging about the importance of taking care your yourself as an individual in order to be the best teacher you can be for your students. Less is more – I wrote that post not so long ago and I’m trying to put it into practice this week.
I was forwarded an email a while back that I just got through reading again and I thought it would be a great one to share with you this last week of 2011. This is my last post for the year, so I want it to be a though provoking one for all of us. Maybe you’ve seen this before. It’s The Charles Schultz Philosophy.
So I invite you to read, think, reflect and please comment. And then move on with the rest of your week and enjoy the beginning of a new year!
~EMP
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world .
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school…
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
I love this!
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.
“Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today.
