Filter

Part of the challenge this spring has been filtering the type of Thoughts that I've posted. Since beginning to post the pictures on my office door at school, I'd like to post things that have some relevance to my students. That being said, I've found that I really miss these type of teacher-y Thoughts.
One of the things that really made me want to be a teacher was the fact that not only am I able to help others learn, but I am also able to learn throughout the day. When I think about my day, all of these actions are things that I do. Yes, every day is different. But somehow, all these things end up happening.
No matter how much we filter what we say and what we post, our true actions always seem to shine through. What do you filter? Do you filter your thoughts, actions and words? Without a doubt, there are certain places where you must filter yourself. Social media, the workplace and school being three of them. That being said, those in-born characteristics will always shine through. Don't lose sight of what you do. Filter sure, but never lose sight.

Armor

For all of my Game of Thrones fans out there, I suspect this Thought from this particular character will ring true. Tyrion Lannister, for all his drunkenness, manages to quite eloquently speak. He's one of those people who when he says something, you should probably listen.

Today, is a special anniversary for me, for a couple reasons. First, it is the unfortunate anniversary of my oldest sisters death. To be sure, this event has shaped me in innumerable ways, ways that I am still discovering today. On a happier note, today marks six months since my amazing girlfriend and I have been dating. Although we aren't able to be together today (she is currently studying abroad in Istanbul), I can say that she has seamlessly become part of 'what I am'.
What are you? Naturally, your past has a large impact on who and what you are. Just like my sisters death continues to impact me all these years later, you too have those events that have immeasurable impact. But, only looking back is no way to live your life. We must continue looking forward to find out what we are. When Ash decided to study abroad, we figured that if we could get through the semester of being apart like this, we could make it through pretty much anything. God willing, we will get through the final ten weeks and faithfully and joyfully be reunited.
So again I ask, What are you? Take your past experiences and your future dreams. NEVER forget what you are. NEVER be afraid to show off not only the unpleasant parts of you but also the joyful. Find out what you are. Wear it like armor and it can never be used to hurt you.

Crop

Lately in southwestern Minnesota it's been a hard winter. This week I realized that in my three weeks of student teaching, I have yet to teach for a 'full' week. Well, enough of that. I've been holding this Thought for quite a while, maybe now that I'm releasing it we can get rid of all this snow.

I think the worst part of all this snow, is just the depressing atmosphere it gives in the depths of winter. This is March, not January. We should be warming up, getting happier. Instead, we're getting more cold and more snow! And yet, that tiny sliver of hope is there. The hope of a new crop, corn will be in the ground in less than 3 months!

So much of the time we get caught up in all those things that just bring us down. Instead we should be focusing on our hope. What is your hope? Find it and cherish it from here on out. Don't let the winter in March get you. Keep your eye on the prize, the crop in May.

Pass

I suppose I should start out by apologizing. Life has gotten incredibly busy these last few days. I don't know how many more times I'll be able to post a Thought on here, but I will do my very best to keep it updated.

In life, we all go through those challenging times, we all go through those times with not enough hours in the day. And even though they seem endless, at some point they will pass. Just as good things never last, neither do the challenging things.

What will pass? Perhaps you are like me, in the midst of a busy time in your life, that just seems to keep throwing curveballs at you. Or, maybe you're in a happy time, a time where nothing seems to go wrong. No matter, just know that this too shall pass.

History

I think at some point everyone has asked the question of how history will remember them. Today's Thought from Calvin and Hobbes offers a good look at how I think many of those questions become answered. I know even while writing this blog I have had those thoughts of how will history think of me for writing it. How will history remember? I don't think any of use can truly answer that question.

That being said, history will never remember us the way we'd like. We will never be remembered for frivolous things that we attempt to do to be remembered by. Rather, history will remember us for the things that we never set out to do. Those things that end up changing the world and yet that we never originally intended to do. Don't be so concerned with how you want to be remembered. Be concerned with how you are living right now, history will take care of the rest.

Thinking

For those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter may have noticed my status updates following school yesterday. In short, it was a bit of a rough day for me. However, the more I thought about it, it really wasn't all that bad. Perhaps the thing that had the most effect on my attitude was my thoughts about my own actions.

Upon reflection, I noticed that my attitude and thought process changed dramatically yesterday based on one relatively insignificant event. No doubt these small events will happen again and I must take action to train my mind to not get down on them.
What is your thinking? So much of the time things happen relatively the same, albeit with minor variations. For instance, yesterday was just another day at school. Sure, there was a two hour delay, but school is school. There's nothing inherently good or bad about these situations, but our mind makes them good or bad depending on our thinking. What is your thinking?

Treat

I must confess, I posted this Thought on my door on Friday, but I am just getting to writing about it now. It's interesting (and a little exciting) that my cooperating teacher, a thirty year veteran, commented on my Thoughts. I suppose I must be making a good impression? I suppose this weekend has given me some extra time to think of what I want to write, so I do apologize if I am a little long-winded today.

I think so much of the time as agriculture teachers we get so busy in our students and our work (which doesn't often seem like 'work'). I think I've been at school from 7am to at least 4pm every night in the last week. So many of us forget to take some time and treat ourselves. While it's fantastic to be involved in such a wonderful career field (I will be at school serving breakfast to other teachers at 6:30am tomorrow!) we all need to make sure that we are treated first.

How will you 'treat yo self'? I know my girlfriend for one will have a few suggestions on this one. Even though she's halfway around the world in Rome, I think she's getting the feeling of just how busy I am. Whether it's perfume, fragrances, mimosas or even a batman suit, we all need to take time to treat ourselves. If we can't take care of ourselves, how can we hope to take care of anyone else? How will you 'treat yo self'?