Has been incredible to witness the way various groups embark on their own 21-day challenges. From Bradley's 21-day Harker Teacher Kindness Challenge to a news press company's 21-Day Cheerful Challenge to one woman's "Creativity in Action" Kindness Challenge and beyond-- we've been inspired by the incredible moments of grace and simple care that have emerged through these challenges. Here are a few recent reflections:

A Simple Compliment Expands The Classroom
A simple compliment. A student was able to quickly analyze some music and I commented on his ability to see the patterns. Others who were struggling with the same assignment then spontaneously asked for his help! He was built up and became the teacher instead of others waiting in turn for just me to help them.

Listening
My coworker spent all day listening to people complain as she tried to fix a computer glitch. I walked out with her and empathized it must've been a lot of tedious work and encouraged her talk the whole time about what happened.

Seeing With Fresh Eyes
I sent an email to a student who is a newcomer to participating in class. It's been wonderful to watch her transformation in the past few weeks, so I let her know that I appreciate her contributions. And it reminds me that we should be present to what is in front of us. We often assume current behavior based on past. But when we do that, we often miss the growth happening right before our eyes.

Today, I Am Practicing
Today, I am practicing making mindful decisions whenever I am tempted to complain. Instead of complaining, I will mindfully choose thoughts and words that will lead me toward a solution, instead of keeping me stuck in the problem. When I find myself in a situation where I am tempted to complain, I will strive to find ways to raise the energy in the room and not drain it. I believe this will result in a more peaceful, happier environment for myself and others.

Well-being
One of the most important shapers of my inner compass has been failure in the marketplace. I have lost my job a couple of times and under-performed at another. These failures have caused me to realize that I cannot define my sense of well-being from my accomplishments in the marketplace and the approval of others. I have to base my well-being on my own personal values, sense of purpose, relationships, community ties, and spiritual journey. I can then take that foundation into the marketplace to do good.

Mindful Decision Making
Our middle school is plagued by "mean kids" as are all middle schools, it their ages and our principal found the little Acrostic I've posted. It is up all over our school and while the students often don't follow the guidelines, almost all are aware, and cop to, what part they have not followed when in a discussion following a behavior not on the list.

As adults we also often fail to follow this little Acrostic Poem:

Before You Speak, THINK:
T: Is it TRUE?
H: Is it HELPFUL?
I: Is it INSPIRING?
N: Is it NECESSARY?
K: Is it KIND?

It is a good reminder to review before we say or do something that might be not in keeping with this important mindful decision making prompt, to instead go the opposite way and be more helpful, inspiring and kind. Spread Some Good.