Caring for Ourselves

Caring for ourselves may sound a little foolish but we all care for ourselves in on way or the other. Sure enough, as we learn to love ourselves; we will learn to love other. As human, we are a social being. While some of us may be more sociable, it is impossible for us not to have relationship. In addition, I would estimate that 75% of our joy is external.
Three simple three things that bring joy into my life are:
 Do my best- This is one of my greatest joys. It displeases me when I’m not able to be my best (even though it might not be my fault). I’ve been taught, “Only my best is good enough”. That has been the theme of my life. As a teacher, I expect to do anything and everything that will allow my students to succeed- this many times means that I’ll have to go above and beyond the call of duty. One great example – I had a student who needed some help but the only available he had was 4:30 am. I took the challenge to get up 4 days a week to assist him – it paid off. (He was in 12th grade and not getting that needed help, he would have fail. He passes with honors. That gave be the greatest joy a teacher can ask). Giving my best stimulate me to do more.

 Eat healthy- To perform at my peak, eating healthy is important. I have learned self-control. I’ve never drank alcohol, smoke nor hang out regular (2 or 3 times for the year). Moreover, I don’t drink coffee nor drink that boost your energy. (Sound weird?) Eating healthy and on time will give you all the energy you need for the day. Matter of fact, I’m never experience any major sickness. I have pride myself with only of the best attendance at work and school. Just recently, I found my old report cards from high school and I show my children. For my 4 years, I miss just ½ day. I just recently completed my bachelor degree – 2 ½ years, never miss a day. All because of eating healthy. This of course brings the joy I need. I believe a healthy man is a happy man.

 Get enough rest- This means making sure that I go to bed early enough so I can sleep well. Have almost a routine time to get to bed and wake up the next day – fresh and relax. My sisters always have fun with me. During the winter months, I’m in my bed my 7pm especially if I don’t have anything to do. In summer, this is the joke, I get to bed by 9 pm. I’m not a night person but by 4:30 – 5:00 am, I’m really to get out of that bed –well rested and ready to go.

Combination Feelings

I think we each experience a combination of emotions daily. Sometimes that combination is difficult to explain. These combinations can be fear and guilt, shame and anger or sadness and loneliness.
One of the most experience combinations I believe is joy and sad. However, my combination is joy and fear. I experienced this feeling when I first went back to school. I came to this country summer of 2006 and January 2007, I found myself sitting in a classroom. As I sat there, I felt so joyful that I finally get a chance to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree. But as I smile to myself a fear came over me. There were so many negative thoughts came rushing in my mind. This was mainly because I was approximately twice the age of the students there was in my class. I did not saw a student that was close to my age. However, as the term progress, I felt a little comfortable and more confident in my class assignment.

Teach me, DON'T Label Me by Barbara K. Given

Teach me, DON'T Label Me

I am not disabled.
I learn differently.
I am not handicapped.
I take in and use information that is somewhat unique to me.
Others may see me as handicapped when they insist on teaching
me in ways through which I cannot learn or when they insist that
I demonstrate my abilities in ways that are comfortable for them but not
for me. It is not I who is out of step, inadequate, handicapped, or disabled.
It is the system.
I don’t want my teacher to be my pal,
but I do want a model and a friend.
I don’t want my teacher to make life easy for me,
but I do want a teacher filled with a conviction that what
he or she teaches is important enough for me to learn and
I do want a teacher who has enthusiasm
that encourages me to keep working
until I learn.
I don’t want to be the teacher’s pet
but I do want to be treated as a person
worthy of respect in spite of my learning style
or because of it.
I don’t want a teacher who demands praise,
but I do want a teacher who understands my respect
even if I show it in awkward and sometimes hostile ways.
I don’t want a brain transplant,
but I do want an appropriate education.
I don’t want to be called learning disabled,
but I do want to learn
TEACH ME.
DON’T LABEL ME.

Emotionally Intelligent

To lead “from the inside out”, directors need to first understand themselves. Emotionally intelligent leaders willingly explore personal blind spots in order to approach others with humility, humor, and flexibility.
There is no thinking without feeling and no feeling without thinking; the more conscious we are to what we are experiencing, the more learning is possible; and, self-knowledge is integral to learning.

Directors on the move

Every director has a limited amount of time in which to do numerous tasks and develop many relationships. This work can be accomplished most effectively if the director is well organized. The role of administrator requires knowledge and skills both in early childhood education and development and in business practices. Directors sometimes acquire program management skills and the skills of leading people.