In chapter 44, he took his team to Disney- What a way to show gratitude!!! What an amazing trip to go on with people you respect. I was always taught that if you show appracitation and gratitude then people will always do more than asked. I feel like this mindset can be used at home, in the work place and in life in general. If someone feels like they are not appreciated for what they do then they will do the minimum. If you acknowledge them and give them thanks they will do more or want to do more than they already are.
If I could do something so grand for the people I appreciate then I would. Being able to pay it forward and do something unexpected for someone is a great feeling. I just wish we had people in this world that did it more to make this a better place.
It definitely does sound like so much fun to be able to show gratitude the way Randy did with his team! I guess for now we'll have to hope our hand-written thank you notes do the trick:)
Chapter 56: Make a Decision: Tigger or Eeyore resonated most with me because this is truly how I feel about life. I think there are two types of people, those who walk through life taking what comes at them, realizing it could always be worse, and keeping their head up and carrying on with a smile regardless of the situation....And then there's those who feel like they have one bad day after another, like everyone is out to get them and that they can't catch a break. I have and do work with both kinds and I'm sure everyone can relate to this! I feel we have to remember that there are people worse off, and remind ourselves of the positive in our lives in order to push us through the challenges. No, life isn't always lemonade or easy but we need to fight through because what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
I so agree with you! Whenever I am having a bad day, I need to recenter myself and look at the positive blessings around me and things will get better!
Chapter 15: Pouring Soda in the Backseat. Randy showed his niece and nephew that things are just "things" and relationship and personal connections should rank above "things". Even though I like to keep things nice- no material possession is worth more than my "people" and my connections to and with them. This also gave me anxiety- I am not going to lie- thinking about pouring soda on the new car's seat...hahahaha!
Chapter 36 - “Look for the Best in Everybody” resonated most with me. I found the wording of this chapter fascinating because while I consider myself to be a mostly optimistic person who does look for the best in everybody, sometimes my patience does wear thin and waiting becomes more and more difficult. This advice can be so easily applied in our line of work because we all have students who immediately show their best sides, and at the same time we have certain students who take a little longer. As the years of teaching fly by, I can honestly say that it’s been a rare occasion that I’ve had a student about whom I couldn’t find something to like. Sure, some took a little longer than others, but there is always good there. It’s just that sometimes you have to dig deep and really persevere until you uncover it. The wait is definitely worth it as the connections that are made in the process are priceless.
I also liked this chapter, Jess. I loved the words, "If you wait long enough, people will surprise you and impress you." Often times, people probably don't wait long enough for some to show their good side. People judge too quickly and are busy with their own lives. I guess the lesson is, if we all slow and down and give others the benefit of the doubt, we will see the good in everyone.
I really enjoyed Chapter 44, Show Gratitude. I have had so many people do so many wonderful things for me in my life. I would love to be able to "pay back" each and every one of them...or better yet, pay it forward.
I really liked 38, If at first you don't succeed... I actually highlighted one of the lines in this chapter while I was reading. "It's not how hard you hit. It's how hard you get hit...and keep moving forward." This really spoke to me and I feel like this is something I believe in and have tried to teach my own children. Playing Sports is a natural way to learn this and something that is so invaluable that you learn that will guide you the rest of your life. It helps you through sickness, relationships, financial strain, college, disappointments, grief, death. You never quit...you get up... brush yourself off and keep moving!
I think resilience is a trait that is not easily found in today's students, and sometimes I fear for them. I wish we could find more ways to implement this philosophy into education as a whole.
Chapter 33 "Treat the Disease, Not the Symptom" was one of my favorites. People often don't see the big picture when they are dealing with a problem. Crises management becomes a way of life, and the underlying cause is never addressed. Sometimes it takes more time and effort to make the big changes, but it is worth it if it results in things running more smoothly, overall.
Chapter 32 had a great message: Don't Complain, Just Work Harder. Life is short, and any time we spend complaining is unlikely to do any good. It won't change the outcome and it won't make us happier. Two things that can make a difference is attitude and effort. If you work harder at your attitude and put in more effort, you won't be disappointed.
I loved this chapter as well. At the front of my classroom, there is a sign hanging, "You can control your attitude and your work ethic." A colleague has a sign that says "If you don't want to learn I cannot help you, if you want to learn, you are unstoppable." Wasting time complaining is unproductive.
There were so many great chapters in this book, however Chapter 49 - Get in touch with your crayon box, really resonated with me. So many people only see things as black or white, and they forget about the entire spectrum of colors that make up everything. It was always joked about when I was younger that I was like a little rainbow - because I was so full of different colors or ideas. I very literally never used the white or black crayon because I wanted everything to be colorful and different. My parents would probably say I am still very much this way today - I am always throwing in different perspectives and ideas. Our world is full of color - so it's always good to not be afraid to reflect on that and listen to other peoples ideas and perspectives.
I was a very black and white person as a teen and into my early twenties. I have through the years grown to understand that most of life comes to you in different shades of color. Very rarely is anything 100% black and white, and it takes time and caring to discern the colors in things.
I particularly liked chapter 48: "Tell the Truth." Perhaps it resonated with me because I learned very early in my life that I am a terrible liar. In addition, when I would lie, it would bother me until I told the truth. For me, the worst betrayal you can possibly engage in is telling a lie. I prefer the truth, no matter how painful, over a lie. Even though we live in a world of self-esteem and live in fear of hurting someone's feelings, I believe everyone deserves the truth. "The truth will set you free."
This is a great chapter. It is so crucial to tell the truth and always be honest. Nothing good ever comes from a lie. And what a great lesson for students as well.
Chapter #44: Show Gratitude, resonated with me the most. I always feel it's so important to show people you care about, and people who help you in one way or another - just how much you appreciate them. I liked how humble Randy was in his description, and that his gratitude wasn't necessarily about the monetary value. He genuinely cared about the people he took with him to Disney. I also find it neat that he mentioned it was a "pay it forward" as thanks to his mentor Andy van Dam.
I have never been disappointed when someone expressed their gratitude. I know it is a weakness of mine and I am resolved to do better. I love at the end of a school year when a senior or two stops by my room to thank me.
All You Have to do is Ask was a chapter that contained the concept of making requests to get what you want is sometimes as simple as asking. I think it resonated with me as sometimes asking for things is not in my nature or maybe it wasn't perceived as being polite, or too bold. I want my students to be bold enough to ask when they need or want something in addition to the hard work that will get them there. Asking questions can help them get where they want to be.
Wow! Can I defer to the previous question because I think that was it. I suppose I could tie that into Chapter 53 - Never Give Up. I never do. Even when things are tough I have always worked through it, trying to be a rock for myself and others. Sometimes when things become difficult, I think it is because they are supposed to be. We become stronger when we struggle because we are supposed to struggle. I think if life were easy, it might be boring. I will leave it at that.
Number 55 has been something that has resonated with me ever since I read the book. I have always struggled to ask for things, ask about things, ask for help. I hate the feeling like I am bothering people asking them for something I should have figured out myself. I have had to push myself to ask people for the service or help I should expect or am even paying for. Lastly, I remember distinctly as a student the trouble I had asking questions when I did not understand something, always fearful it would make me look dumb. I have worked very hard on this personally, and I have also worked hard to create an environment in my classroom that fosters the safe and comfortable feeling where my students feel good about asking questions. #55 has definitely struck a cord with me.
I liked chapter "Don't Complain, Just Work Harder". It seems these days that all anyone is good at is complaining but not so good at finding solutions to their problems. I do not even go into the teacher's lounge because I do not want to spend my little bit of free time listening to someone complain. It is such a waste of time and like Randy we do not know how much we actually have. I know we all need to complain or vent, just like I did about complaining but we should not do it to strike up a conversation or to get out of doing something. I love this quote from the chapter and I plan on displaying it in my classroom..."Complaining does not work as a strategy. We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won't make us happier."
I loved Chapter 32, "Don't Complain, Just Work Harder." This is a lesson that I am always actively trying to practice myself. What good will complaining do me? It will just make my mood worse and prevent me from coming up with a solution sooner. When the elementary grades are always scolding each other or telling on each other, I work so hard to teach them that the only thing that they are in control of is THEMSELVES and they cannot let other people bother them (that's the teacher's job). For my cheerleaders, we work so hard all year long and I teach them that the ONLY thing they can do is work hard and hit their routine, the rest is in the hands of the judges. If they all go onto the competition floor and do their job, we won't have any regrets at the end of the day because we worked our hardest.
In chapter 44, he took his team to Disney- What a way to show gratitude!!! What an amazing trip to go on with people you respect. I was always taught that if you show appracitation and gratitude then people will always do more than asked. I feel like this mindset can be used at home, in the work place and in life in general. If someone feels like they are not appreciated for what they do then they will do the minimum. If you acknowledge them and give them thanks they will do more or want to do more than they already are.
ReplyDeleteIf I could do something so grand for the people I appreciate then I would. Being able to pay it forward and do something unexpected for someone is a great feeling. I just wish we had people in this world that did it more to make this a better place.
It definitely does sound like so much fun to be able to show gratitude the way Randy did with his team! I guess for now we'll have to hope our hand-written thank you notes do the trick:)
DeleteChapter 56: Make a Decision: Tigger or Eeyore resonated most with me because this is truly how I feel about life. I think there are two types of people, those who walk through life taking what comes at them, realizing it could always be worse, and keeping their head up and carrying on with a smile regardless of the situation....And then there's those who feel like they have one bad day after another, like everyone is out to get them and that they can't catch a break. I have and do work with both kinds and I'm sure everyone can relate to this! I feel we have to remember that there are people worse off, and remind ourselves of the positive in our lives in order to push us through the challenges. No, life isn't always lemonade or easy but we need to fight through because what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you! Whenever I am having a bad day, I need to recenter myself and look at the positive blessings around me and things will get better!
DeleteTotally agree Kelsey! You just need to stay positive and be mindful :)
DeleteChapter 15: Pouring Soda in the Backseat. Randy showed his niece and nephew that things are just "things" and relationship and personal connections should rank above "things". Even though I like to keep things nice- no material possession is worth more than my "people" and my connections to and with them. This also gave me anxiety- I am not going to lie- thinking about pouring soda on the new car's seat...hahahaha!
ReplyDeleteChapter 36 - “Look for the Best in Everybody” resonated most with me. I found the wording of this chapter fascinating because while I consider myself to be a mostly optimistic person who does look for the best in everybody, sometimes my patience does wear thin and waiting becomes more and more difficult. This advice can be so easily applied in our line of work because we all have students who immediately show their best sides, and at the same time we have certain students who take a little longer. As the years of teaching fly by, I can honestly say that it’s been a rare occasion that I’ve had a student about whom I couldn’t find something to like. Sure, some took a little longer than others, but there is always good there. It’s just that sometimes you have to dig deep and really persevere until you uncover it. The wait is definitely worth it as the connections that are made in the process are priceless.
ReplyDeleteI also liked this chapter, Jess. I loved the words, "If you wait long enough, people will surprise you and impress you." Often times, people probably don't wait long enough for some to show their good side. People judge too quickly and are busy with their own lives. I guess the lesson is, if we all slow and down and give others the benefit of the doubt, we will see the good in everyone.
DeleteI really enjoyed Chapter 44, Show Gratitude. I have had so many people do so many wonderful things for me in my life. I would love to be able to "pay back" each and every one of them...or better yet, pay it forward.
ReplyDeleteI really liked 38, If at first you don't succeed... I actually highlighted one of the lines in this chapter while I was reading. "It's not how hard you hit. It's how hard you get hit...and keep moving forward." This really spoke to me and I feel like this is something I believe in and have tried to teach my own children. Playing Sports is a natural way to learn this and something that is so invaluable that you learn that will guide you the rest of your life. It helps you through sickness, relationships, financial strain, college, disappointments, grief, death. You never quit...you get up... brush yourself off and keep moving!
ReplyDeleteI think resilience is a trait that is not easily found in today's students, and sometimes I fear for them. I wish we could find more ways to implement this philosophy into education as a whole.
DeleteChapter 33 "Treat the Disease, Not the Symptom" was one of my favorites. People often don't see the big picture when they are dealing with a problem. Crises management becomes a way of life, and the underlying cause is never addressed. Sometimes it takes more time and effort to make the big changes, but it is worth it if it results in things running more smoothly, overall.
ReplyDeleteChapter 32 had a great message: Don't Complain, Just Work Harder. Life is short, and any time we spend complaining is unlikely to do any good. It won't change the outcome and it won't make us happier. Two things that can make a difference is attitude and effort. If you work harder at your attitude and put in more effort, you won't be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI loved this chapter as well. At the front of my classroom, there is a sign hanging, "You can control your attitude and your work ethic." A colleague has a sign that says "If you don't want to learn I cannot help you, if you want to learn, you are unstoppable." Wasting time complaining is unproductive.
DeleteThere were so many great chapters in this book, however Chapter 49 - Get in touch with your crayon box, really resonated with me. So many people only see things as black or white, and they forget about the entire spectrum of colors that make up everything. It was always joked about when I was younger that I was like a little rainbow - because I was so full of different colors or ideas. I very literally never used the white or black crayon because I wanted everything to be colorful and different. My parents would probably say I am still very much this way today - I am always throwing in different perspectives and ideas. Our world is full of color - so it's always good to not be afraid to reflect on that and listen to other peoples ideas and perspectives.
ReplyDeleteI was a very black and white person as a teen and into my early twenties. I have through the years grown to understand that most of life comes to you in different shades of color. Very rarely is anything 100% black and white, and it takes time and caring to discern the colors in things.
DeleteI particularly liked chapter 48: "Tell the Truth." Perhaps it resonated with me because I learned very early in my life that I am a terrible liar. In addition, when I would lie, it would bother me until I told the truth. For me, the worst betrayal you can possibly engage in is telling a lie. I prefer the truth, no matter how painful, over a lie. Even though we live in a world of self-esteem and live in fear of hurting someone's feelings, I believe everyone deserves the truth. "The truth will set you free."
ReplyDeleteThis is a great chapter. It is so crucial to tell the truth and always be honest. Nothing good ever comes from a lie. And what a great lesson for students as well.
DeleteChapter #44: Show Gratitude, resonated with me the most. I always feel it's so important to show people you care about, and people who help you in one way or another - just how much you appreciate them. I liked how humble Randy was in his description, and that his gratitude wasn't necessarily about the monetary value. He genuinely cared about the people he took with him to Disney. I also find it neat that he mentioned it was a "pay it forward" as thanks to his mentor Andy van Dam.
ReplyDeleteI have never been disappointed when someone expressed their gratitude. I know it is a weakness of mine and I am resolved to do better. I love at the end of a school year when a senior or two stops by my room to thank me.
DeleteAll You Have to do is Ask was a chapter that contained the concept of making requests to get what you want is sometimes as simple as asking. I think it resonated with me as sometimes asking for things is not in my nature or maybe it wasn't perceived as being polite, or too bold. I want my students to be bold enough to ask when they need or want something in addition to the hard work that will get them there. Asking questions can help them get where they want to be.
ReplyDeleteWow! Can I defer to the previous question because I think that was it. I suppose I could tie that into Chapter 53 - Never Give Up.
ReplyDeleteI never do. Even when things are tough I have always worked through it, trying to be a rock for myself and others. Sometimes when things become difficult, I think it is because they are supposed to be. We become stronger when we struggle because we are supposed to struggle. I think if life were easy, it might be boring. I will leave it at that.
Number 55 has been something that has resonated with me ever since I read the book. I have always struggled to ask for things, ask about things, ask for help. I hate the feeling like I am bothering people asking them for something I should have figured out myself. I have had to push myself to ask people for the service or help I should expect or am even paying for. Lastly, I remember distinctly as a student the trouble I had asking questions when I did not understand something, always fearful it would make me look dumb. I have worked very hard on this personally, and I have also worked hard to create an environment in my classroom that fosters the safe and comfortable feeling where my students feel good about asking questions. #55 has definitely struck a cord with me.
ReplyDeleteI liked chapter "Don't Complain, Just Work Harder".
ReplyDeleteIt seems these days that all anyone is good at is complaining but not so good at finding solutions to their problems. I do not even go into the teacher's lounge because I do not want to spend my little bit of free time listening to someone complain. It is such a waste of time and like Randy we do not know how much we actually have.
I know we all need to complain or vent, just like I did about complaining but we should not do it to strike up a conversation or to get out of doing something.
I love this quote from the chapter and I plan on displaying it in my classroom..."Complaining does not work as a strategy. We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won't make us happier."
This was posted by Kimm Markovich.
DeleteI loved Chapter 32, "Don't Complain, Just Work Harder."
ReplyDeleteThis is a lesson that I am always actively trying to practice myself. What good will complaining do me? It will just make my mood worse and prevent me from coming up with a solution sooner.
When the elementary grades are always scolding each other or telling on each other, I work so hard to teach them that the only thing that they are in control of is THEMSELVES and they cannot let other people bother them (that's the teacher's job). For my cheerleaders, we work so hard all year long and I teach them that the ONLY thing they can do is work hard and hit their routine, the rest is in the hands of the judges. If they all go onto the competition floor and do their job, we won't have any regrets at the end of the day because we worked our hardest.