Today was my last day teaching at a local middle school. I am extremely sad. More sad than I thought I would be. I learned so much in my short time as a teacher and still have a lot of learn in order to become a better educator. I gave my students feedback cards in the areas that I did well or could improve. I realized that life is all about taking the constructive criticism in oder t become better. I am excited to take their feedback and what I learned n the classroom and use it in the future. 

Starting the day with breakfast and a coffee will change your whole outlook on life. For the past few days I have been skipping breakfast, due to running late, and have seen the difference. Your mind and body just wakes up and comes alive when you have something on your stomach to start the day. 

I issue you a 2-week breakfast challenge. Eat something in the morning before you leave your house for two weeks and see the results. 

My body isn't as it used to be. I knew this day would come but have been quietly dreading it. The pounds don't come off as easily as they did 6 or 7 years ago. The food sticks more often than it did 6 or 7 years ago. I hate dieting and I hate working out but I vowed this year to start eating more heathy. During the week, I cut out most junk foods and cut down portion sizes. Needless to say I have not hit one single stair master as I should, but I am down 10 pounds. This summer, I am making a conscious plan to change up my diet even more and start to do small workouts. Being heathy isn't just about the now but living a long and beautiful life. I will make sure to keep you updated about my struggles and triumphs. 

I am a teacher. Today one of my students was acting up in class and I had to discipline. Typically, I do not discipline harshly as I feel this is not conducive to the learning environment. However, today was all about respect for the class and the environment. After I disciplined the student, they said 

It made me realize. While I do want relationships with your students never get too comfortable. This is a lesson in life as well. Any relationship you may have know the boundaries, expectations, and outcomes you want. In that relationship build toward the outcomes. I guess today I realized while I want my students to like me or even think "im cool" it cant come from the sacrifice of their education. 

People tend to always come to me to vent. Be it in the work place, when I volunteer, complete strangers when I'm out and about, something draws them to me. They open up and spill their guts about various things ranging from health concerns and relationship issues to living certain lifestyles and things far more personal. Most of the time I do not respond in many words, because either I don't feel it necessary or the person venting did not ask my advice or opinion. Sometimes people just want to be heard. Sometimes they want a non-judgemental mouth to speak to. Sometimes they just want to release things they may have been holding in for far too long. This week the complaints, the rants and raves have been pouring in. I took a lesson from all of those who want me to listen and spoke to select individuals about things I am currently dealing with,and I must admit, it felt really good. An imaginary weight was lifted from my being.

Find time to close your mouth and open your eyes for someone, you could help lift their weights and spirits! 

Margaret Thatcher once said, " Plan your work for today and everyday, then work your plan." Often times people miss either one or both of these steps. You want to change or transition in life then plan what you are doing. It might not have to be microscopic planning but everyday you should be working toward a goal. After you know your goal, create a plan on how to can attain and maintain it. Having a plan is great but having the follow through is the necessary step most people miss. After planning, WORK IT! 

Advice is wonderful! From family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. Advice can come in many forms. Even unsolicited advice can sometimes lead to wonderful new opportunities. There are issues when people give "advice" just to tear you down or purposefully make you believe wrong information. Sometimes you wont know it until you act on their advice. Sometimes, caution and asking for a second opinion is much needed. While there are a lot of people with good intentions, you must keep a close eye on those who want to constantly dole out bad advice.