Looking For Good

When we start our days, sometimes we all struggle a little. We usually put on a brave face and get on with what we need to do. I know many people are struggling with their feelings right now, and that is normal. I expect lots of us have mixed emotions every day. We have things we're happy about, but we're also sad, frustrated, angry, joyful, and every emotion in between. How can we cram so much feeling and emotion into one person? It's exhausting sometimes!

As we make it through each day, it is easy to focus on the negative - what is wrong, what is going badly, what are you missing, and what you and others are not doing well. However, this lends to bad feelings, which cause us to look at negative things, and that just keeps the ugly cycle of negativity continue.

I've learned (and tried to teach) that it helps to focus on what is good. I found sidewalk chalk art recently that says, "When you focus on the good, the good gets better." Right now, you might be thinking, "Hey, wait a minute - is this about my circle of control?" Kind of! It's also about choosing your own weather. For example, this virus situation is not within our control - at all. How you react to an event or situation like this IS within your control.

Many people are missing important events and milestones right now - weddings, funerals, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and other major life events. I feel sad for people whose plans were completely disrupted. That is very disappointing! We are missing our friends and family - a lot! However, even separated, I have seen a lot of people get really creative with how to celebrate apart yet together. 

Until this year, I had never really seen a car-parade celebration. Now, I've been IN one when we drove to see all of our students! My neighbor, Mrs. Idowu (you know her as Mrs. I, our favorite substitute) celebrated her birthday this week, and her friends honked and yelled from their cars covered in signs and balloons. I had never seen a wedding on Zoom before, either, and now I can say I've seen two! That was fun to watch! Do you think that's what they were planning? Nope! But did they get creative and find a way to react in a positive way? I'd say!

We find ways to recognize and honor one another, even when we need to maintain physical distance. We should not be emotionally or socially separated. We are social beings and need each other, so take the time to call a friend or FaceTime with friends and family. Imagine how amazing it will be when we get to give one another hugs again just to show how much we care. (That's one of the things we love as teachers.) Who is the first person you plan to hug when we're allowed to??

Just know that if you're feeling low, blue, sad, down, miserable, lonely, or any other negative feelings, you're not alone. It helps to look for positive things - it is not impossible. If you're struggling, reach out and ask for help finding something positive. It can help change your perspective. Look for the Good - it's out there!