Cherie's Random Thoughts

This evening I learned something that helped me put things into perspective and reminded me to continue to see the "bigger picture." Often in life we view life through the four corners of a box. Some boxes are small and others are big.  The walls of the box allow us to only see two things: Our current situation or the past that trapped us there in the first place. They prevent us from seeing the future that is yet to arrive and may or may not be altered by our present situation. We can speculate what the future will be, but we truly will not know until it arrives.   Also for each trouble, problems and/or situations we precieve to be a pressing problem, there is always another that will trump it. Or even worse we forget problems are truly situtations in the end. Situations that can resolved.  The question is do we want to re-live these situations like a "Ground Hog Day"- one in which you resolve, only to have to resolve the situation with the same solution over and o...

Meister Eckhart once said, "Be willing to be a beginner every singe morning." Having the capacity to see the day with renewed eyes is essential to having a productive and meaningful day. Often, we look at each new day with old eyes. These eyes often see the pain and frustration of the past but neglect to see the hope that lies in all of our futures. In order to fully begin each day with a "Beginner's Mind" you must be willing to let go of the past and embrace your future. When we do this we often allow the positive qualities Saadat A. Khan suggests when he discusses the attributes of a Beginner's Mind: The ability to be an ethusiasitc, creative individual who approaches life with great zeal and optismism. When we begin well our opportunities in life are often abundant. Reference: Your Daily Rock-A Daybook of Touchstones for Busy Lives by Patti Digh

Today my feline child, Billy Bob, died suddenly without warning shortly before 12 pm. Till the end Billy was his normal self and appeared ready to spend a lazy Saturday with me. Although our time was short together, about four years, you soul was old. From the first time I adopted Billy Bob from the Kitty Cottage I knew that his spirit was one born from a rough start. Thankful Sally Rosen Barsh saved Billy form a life on the streets and brought him to the Kitty Cottage, where soon after I shortly adopted him. Billy Bob was a black cat who proved that black cats were magical and often very affectionate. There was not a day where I was not greeted by him, whether in the morning or when I got home in the evening. He routinely slept by my side and often woke me up in the am long before my alarm clock. Always photogentic and one to tell you what was on his mind. I will miss Billy tremondously and will cherish the memories that he has left me. Although his heart failed him this morning...

In a Mark and Angel Hack Life article entitled, "18 Great Reminders When You're Having a Bad Day"  the authors reminds us what can be born out of our frustration or bad days. As an educator who finds themselves between three worlds, the fall season tends to be a "season of frustration." Unmet expectations, whining, illness, and life stuff can take its toll and make a person wonder what is the point. Then I am reminded by articles like this what matters most to an educator: Improving the lives of their students and making the world a better place in the process. This article makes some great points about what we should reflect on when we have a bad day. They are absolutely right-it begins with our attitude. If your attitude is one of fear and looking over shoulder you will most likely do this through many of your bad days. If your attitude is one where you believe change will occur, you will mostly receive the change you seek. Bad days are back door blessings...

Re-envisioning Career and Technical Education | American Federation of Teachers The above article brings light the importance of career and technical education programs. As an early childhood professor, I know all too well how effective these programs can be. CTE programs allow students to come out of high school ready to enter the workforce at entry level. In today's economy, this is extremely important for students. In addition, CTE students often can receive college credit for the some of their coursework done in high school. This can be anywhere from 6-9 credits, which the equivalent of three credit college level courses or half of a full-time semester. I hope the federal and state governments continue to fund these programs as well as help build a bridge between high school, work, and college. I fondly remember the opportunity I had in high school to participate in a CTE inspired program in high school. During my last year of high school, I was able to spend one semeste...

Taking a Me-Day | Psychology Today : Over the past two decades, I have learned how important "Me-Days" are to maintaining our overall wellbeing. Religiously I begin and end my day with me day. Each day's ritual may vary but usually includes reading, listening to music, viewing inspirational videos, or simply being still. When I fail to incorporate "Me-Days" into my weekly routine, I find that my normally healthy body begins to exhibit signs of acute or chronic stress. As an educator and woman, it is essential that I master the art of a Me-Day and would encourage all who not only care about their wellbeing, but others to do the same. 'via Blog this'

The ten top habits of those that live a long life are simple and true, yet we tend to resist making them a reality in our lives. As I reviewed this list, I saw that currently I have eight pretty much down and I am hunting down #1 as we speak. What is number one you ask? Avoiding Stress. Yes, avoiding stress when it is possible is key to a longer life. Over the past 20 years of my life, I have learned how stress can affect your life in very negative ways. Many of which can lead to a premature death, such as increased blood pressure and increase in your weight. Since July I have committed myself to find ways to lower my stress, avoid stress when at all possible, and put into place a plan to make me resilient against the effects of stress. At 41, I aspire to live to 100. I have 50/50 percent chance of doing so but it will depend on what I do with the next 20 years of my life.