We come to people we trust when we have fears. I give my time and attention to hear out their hardships. Sometimes it can be family issues and others its social issues, like breakups. Ultimately, we as people want to be heard. We want to hear that with whatever life throws at us we can be strong. The tough times give us wisdom and strength. We as humans will always have burdens and issues that exist. Life is a crazy roller coaster ride and it can feel fun or terrifying.
Many of these children just need to hear that "THEY ARE ENOUGH." Yes, it is uncomfortable to deal with hard times but it is what makes us raw human beings. The truth is that we feel. It would be hard to know the good times without sad times. Doubt can creep into your mind and fear might want to take over but every person is stronger than they know. You are stronger than you know and that is the truth. Think back now about some of the tough situations you have had this year. You made it or are MAKING IT.
In the moments I'm listening in my classroom I have my thousand tab teacher mind going. I stop. I process. I give my patience. I know I have lots to do. I give my understanding and I want these students to be reminded that they are enough. I push away all that I need to do and work on and give them my complete attention. I have to because they need me in this moment.
When I find myself in the same situation and I walk through someone else's open door and I hope they continue to say the same to me. When I have moments I am tired or moments when I feel anxious or worried. I hope that person stops everything they are doing and says "you are strong and you are enough." That simple reassurance and love can be the fuel that sparks the same chain reaction.
Whatever may be going on in your life. Whatever may be worrying you I hope that you know that life will always challenge you. You will always learn to cope even when you don't want to but you are always going to be enough. If you happen to walk through my open door know that I will be there to drop it all and listen.
Taisha, you sound like one of those teachers that students are going to look back at and say it's because of HER that I succeeded! Keep listening girl! YOU are amazing!
ReplyDelete"Walk through my open door." What a beautiful invitation to be stronger together. I notice how important relationships are to you and how you work to be a support to others. I think it is because you are strong in your own sense of self and you attract others to you who need to better understand what that is. I bet your strength is contagious!
ReplyDeleteTaisha,
ReplyDeleteI love that you address this message being for students as well as teachers. They need to hear it from us, and they do come seeking advice and help, but really just someone who will listen. I have had more and more of my morning prep timed filled with students who just need to let it out. This is what the job is all about, and why it is so important for us to do.