a positive outlook
Neuroscience isn’t on many elementary school lesson plans. But this spring, a second grade class at Fairmont Neighborhood School in the South Bronx is plunging in.
Sarah Wechsler, an instructional coach with wide eyes and a marathoner’s energy, asks the students to think about the development and progress that they’ve made already in their lives.
Read full NPR article here.
Embrace mistakes and let them become your friends. Nothing else will provide as much opportunity to learn and grow.
One of the most moving quotes from a brave and resilient young woman in the book Humans of New York Stories, which originates from the beautiful website Humans of New York :
“I was sexually abused between the ages of eight and twelve. But honestly, I don’t even like to talk about it anymore, because I’ve finally gotten to the point where it no longer defines me. For a long time I saw myself as a victim, but I’ve moved past that. I’m in a place now where I realize that my life is mine to create and enjoy, and that my future will be the result of the decisions that I make.”
Taking back control and having aspirations for ones future are essential in overcoming trauma. Most refugee children have experienced neglect, sexual exploitation, emotional abuse and violence. Sexual and emotional abuse and corporal punishment are taboos in our society. Let us support children by helping them get out of their isolation and build their future.
For a more sustainable planet, let us all back the goals of the Paris agreement. Get involved.
I commit to:
– buying nothing new, except food
– not to eat meat
– refusing plastic bags and cups
– not buying plastic bottles
for the next month.
Before going to bed, I count my blessings of the day.
Let him cry.
Give him role models.
Let him be himself.
Teach him to take care of himself.
Teach him to take care of others.
Share the work.
Encourage friendships with girls.
Teach ‘no means no’.
Speak up when others are intolerant.
Never use ‘girl’ as an insult.
Read a lot, including about girls and women.
Celebrate boyhood.
Read full NYTime article here.
The 7 habits of highly effective people by Stephen R. Covey (habit 5)
Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity and promote happiness. Learning how to meditate is straightforward, and the benefits can come quickly. Here, the New York Times offers basic tips to get you started on a path toward greater equanimity, acceptance and joy. Take a deep breath, and get ready to relax.
Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford University, June 2005:
I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I’ve ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That’s it. No big deal. Just three stories.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
