handwritten on June 15, 2017
I realized quite early on that adventures are the best way to learn. Today was inevitably a learning curve as we set forth around the city of London. Multiple mistakes were to be had such as getting stuck between an automated subway door, separated from the parents and realizing you cannot place your subway ticket next to your phone or it will deactivate. See, many would assume that the day was terrible, that we halted all fun. But in reality we embraced the fact that exploration is about making mistakes. We made it to platform 9 and 3/4 near King's Crossing. In addition, we visited the Harry Potter shop, the British library and the inside of a rather fancy hotel. The library was...
handwritten on June 13, 2017
Simple, simple distraction can take our minds away from pain and into a safe place with a little laughter. One of the patients I visited most recently was very evidently in pain. However, she had a killer sense of humor, a love of Minions and Scooby Doo. We watched Scooby Movies, she offered some scooby snacks, we drew in her sketchbook, talked about shopkins and Minions and just like that two excellent hours of fun had passed by in a blink.
Sometimes, simple, silly distractions are what we need the most. They give our brain time to remain calm and regain a sense of peace and comfort that may have been tarnished by a past accident or moment that we wish to forget.
Simplicities can be just...
handwritten on June 13, 2017
Volunteering through Urban Impact this year has been a truly wonderful experience. It's interesting because I was so hesitant to become involved in this ministry for fear that I "would not have enough time." However, I found that this ministry became a place of spiritual rest for me even when I felt exhausted. There were days, absolutely, where I jumped into my car, and I could feel the exhaustion take over me after a long day of teaching third grade. However, I would arrive, participate in Bible Study and watch the energy and the smiles of my kids, and I realized this was just the outlet I needed. Yes, I was still working with kids, but I was doing a work that brought a peace and calmness...
handwritten on June 11, 2017
Ending the year is probably one of the most bittersweet moments for me. You realize just how far your students have come, how hard they have worked and what beautiful individuals they have turned into. You realize that they came to you as small little people and leave your classroom as insightful souls-many ready to take on the world. With the snap of your fingers, just like that, you start over. With the snap of your fingers, just like that...they are gone.
Every year is difficult for me and this year was no exception. Many individuals always come up to me and say "goodness you must be ready for a break! I bet you cannot wait for a few weeks of relaxation." It is true that I'm mentally and...
handwritten on April 13, 2017
Someone Once Told Me The Grass Was Much Greener....
This last blog post concludes the series of blogs related to life, perspective and the ability to focus on the beauty we have rather than the beauty we want.
The past month or so I have been challenging myself to travel outside my comfort zone. This meant encouraging myself not to teach summer school. This meant going on a run and feeling terrible but also great afterwards. This also meant inquiring about and participating in a new volunteer experience working with children in a different capacity (Child Life Department at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.) This also meant practicing piano for many hours to play for an upcoming wedding...
