I had a couple of conversations this past week which reminded me of a short essay my brother wrote while in high school.  My brother was never the most gifted athlete but there are few that would ever out work him.  Here is what he had to say about being a role player: The crowd … Continue reading Play A Role

I too often hear, “kids these days…” followed by some derogatory remark about how today’s youth don’t, won’t, or can’t do something.  Maybe it is something we felt that we did when we were young, or something that we feel they should do as responsible young men and women. To be completely honest, I hate … Continue reading Kids These Days

Growing up my father taught me that most of the things we have to do in our lives fall into three “to do” categories.  He classified our daily task as things we “have to do,” “ought to do,” and “want to do.” He would say that very few things in life do we “have to … Continue reading Much To Do

Last week, I was talking to some colleagues we were talking over some things and the conversation turned and made me think of the activity I am about to ask you to do.  This is something I often try and do with new/newer teachers. So, before I go on in the post, I want you … Continue reading Oxygen Mask

I was in a conversation this week where I was reminded how often we expect ourselves to be perfect. If you know me, you know that I like things to be a particular way.  From keeping things on my desk at a 90 degree angle to everything else or in the standard of work I … Continue reading Perfectly Imperfect

This past week, my oldest son had a cross country meet.  The meet got started a little late and by the time it was over, my wife had to leave quickly to take my daughter to basketball practice while I gathered my three boys to head home.  It was getting later in the evening and … Continue reading My Pleasure

I heard the quote above a few weeks ago in church. It struck a chord, so I immediately pulled out my phone, did a quick search, and made a quick note.  I really liked the idea stated in this quote, but I honestly hadn’t given it much thought again until this week. I had someone … Continue reading Dreamers By Day

Three day weekends are always nice.  Who doesn’t like a little extended time off, and a little extra time with their family.  Unfortunately, I usually find myself extremely tired anytime we get a short break from school.  I would love to spend that extra day doing something fun with my family, but I usually find … Continue reading Balancing Act

I had someone this past week ask me what it takes to be approachable as a leader.  They said they felt I was approachable, and it was something they wanted to work on this year to become a better leader themselves.  This conversation took place early in the morning and as soon as I was … Continue reading Approaching Approachable

Too many times we chase happiness.  We look for those fleeting, external moments of joy to build us up because we ultimately are not finding fulfillment in our lives. This idea reminds me of how I use to describe weather and climate to my students when I was teaching Earth Science in my first years … Continue reading Are You Happy?