For whatever reason today, I was thinking a lot about the fact that I have sent more students to the nurse this year than any other year. I tried to rack my brain today as far as what the reasons may be..

Am I getting weak?

Do I not care as much about my instruction?

Am I "softer" than I used to be?

I think the answer to all three questions is no and as I was searching for greater clarity on this issue today, I think I finally realized the difference. For whatever reason, I have come to the realization that if a student needs to sleep on my carpet because they didn't get sleep the night before..they should sleep. If a student is doubled over in pain at their desk, they should go lie down. It's not a matter of being "softer" but just realizing the reality of education. If you don't feel like your best self, you cannot put forth your best self. If you are hurt, you cannot learn. If you have something on your mind, that fraction lesson is probably not going to be worth it to listen to. So perhaps what may look weak on the outside is simply a strengthening of the heart.