My last few slices have been fairly grumpy at best. I’ve not been in a good place, feeling overwhelmed, and just not happy with many things.
However, today, I went back to a quote that a student gave me a while ago:
“Mr. Johnston, are you ever in a bad mood?”
Of course I do, but this really struck me. I’m NOT a naturally positive person (doom and gloomer my wife would say) so it’s a lot of work for me to keep myself positive. I find the quotes that speak to me, I look for the good in everything, and really try to keep myself in a good place.
As my wife and I dealt with a family issue last night, I really noticed I’ve NOT done this at all. My attitude has been crap, I’ve not looked for the good in anything, and felt very dark.
So, today, I got on the treadmill, I enjoyed the company of my wife’s family (always a challenge), and we had a good nap! 🙂
Sometimes, it’s all in how you look at things. No, I can’t guarantee I won’t get dark again, but I do have the tools to keep pushing forward, doing the right thing for my family and my students.
#justkeepswimming
March 27, 2016 at 11:50 pm
We all become grumpy, in a bad mood, having negative thoughts, questioning what life has been offering and anything negative that we can think of. I think that is just being human and can’t think of anyone I know that’s never been through this type of emotions. But I salute your honesty. Not everyone can do that. Admit weaknesses and share it with the world. After all, we are humans. We make mistakes and we try to better. We try!
March 28, 2016 at 9:50 pm
Thank for the kind, thoughtful words. I appreciate your comment here. We are, in fact, human and those weakness are what make us who we are. I agree, we make mistakes, and all we can do it come back and try again tomorrow. 🙂
March 29, 2016 at 6:56 am
We can never be strong and positive at all times. That’s why we have other people around us to keep us going.
March 28, 2016 at 8:28 am
“Fake it ’til you make it,” is a line I repeat to myself when I am feeling this way. It sounds like you have some strategies that work for you. Keep on keeping on!
March 28, 2016 at 8:36 pm
We’ll keep on, keep smiling, and keep working to make positive attitudes going forward! 🙂
March 28, 2016 at 3:36 pm
I had someone tell me recently that you can’t feel stressed if you smile and relax the tension in your eyelids. I was skeptical but it does help!
March 28, 2016 at 8:33 pm
I do smile a lot (and laugh a lot too), So here’s hoping it works for me! 🙂
March 28, 2016 at 7:51 pm
From your student’s quote you must leave your doom and gloom at home and choose a positive outlook, at least in front of students. May the cup be (at least) half full for you.
March 28, 2016 at 9:48 pm
I prefer to keep my cup refillable. Somedays, it’s going to be pretty dang empty, but others, topped off! 🙂
March 28, 2016 at 9:37 pm
Kids get this “you wear in on your face”…they didn’t cause the issue….they love it when you are happy. It’s even worth faking it.
March 28, 2016 at 9:48 pm
Indeed, our attitude, our body language can create all sorts of issues. If we do keep it positive (even if it pains us) those issues are reduced. Slap that smile on and away we go! 🙂