Students don't fail the educational system is failing our students!

So are we going in the right direction with education? 

I have said it before and will continue to say this until the education system changes - when a teacher gives a student failing grade (D or F) then that teacher is FAILING the student.  A school district should never accept that a teacher will allow a student to end the school year without knowing the necessary curriculum.  A student who has received a D or F in a class is NOT learning the curriculum.   A teacher is NOT doing their job if they are allowing students to leave their classroom without knowing the necessary information.  If the student is resistant, then find out why and get extra help for that student so they can LEARN the subject matter!  Why are students in school?  Why are we as a society allowing teachers to get paid and not teach, so all students are learning and being successful?  Granted there are some great teachers out there, and this post is NOT directed toward them.  This post is directed toward school districts that have even 1 student that is receiving a D, F, or has dropped out!  Changes need to occur!!

Watch Ken Robinson's video "How to Escape Education's Death Valley."

Here is the direct link to Ken Robinson's video!

If you made it this far - check out previous posts on grades & learned helplessness. 

Getting back to the swing of things

Dear Friends and Followers: 

Well, it's the last day of August and it has been a while since I've posted.  For those of you who don't know - I've have been dealing with some medical problems which cause me to so slower than normal on all other activities and some activities I can't complete at all.  I'd like to say a special thanks to those who sent me private messages here & on my Facebook pages I admin.  It's great having so much support and I hope to always be a support for you as well.

It is my plan to get back on track.  It's amazing how depressing it is when you want to do things but can't due to physical problems.  It will be a slow start but I will get back one step at a time.  

I have been getting out to nature and the woods as much as possible and so be prepared to see a lot of those pictures here.  

Hope you have a chance to get out into nature and enjoy the world and universe we live in - it's just beautiful!  

With lots of unconditional positive regards,

JM Lam

Cartoon Saturday - how to get a hold of me...

How to get to solve a problem

We all have problems in our lives - no one gets to be problem free!   What happens though is we spend our energy focused on the problem - since what we focus on we expand we are only expanding our problems.  We are also expanding our stress and physical reaction to that stress.  So instead of putting your focus on the problems & constantly thinking about them- start focusing on solutions and put your power & energy on these solutions!  When we focus on solutions then these solutions will expand and eventually the problems will be overcome, we will feel less stress, & we will have less physical ailments.  Don't forget that there will be more problems coming into your life but now you know how to solve them!!!

Spiritual Sunday - forgiveness!

We all make mistakes and bad choices at times in our lives. Sometimes we know that the choices are bad but sometimes we think we are doing the right thing only to discover later it was a terrible idea.  Of course, the realization that it was a bad decision is only after it has been made so the damage is already done.  

What we have to remember is we cannot beat ourselves up because of the mistakes we make.  We must remember this is life and a part of the learning process.  

So here's a message you need to say to yourself - "I forgive you, (state your name here), I believe in you and know that you will make better choices and decisions when you know better and the best way to know better is to learn from the mistakes you are making.  Life is about learning and growing so remember you are becoming better with each mistake you make."   

Everyone has challenges

There are often assumptions that I have no problems, anxieties, or fears because I'm a therapist and counselor. This is a very wrong assumption.  NO ONE has a perfect worry-free life with no problems; people just make assumptions the lives of others are better.  

One of the reasons people make inaccurate assumptions and judgments about the lives of others is because as humans, we are very disconnected and egocentric.  

We get caught up in our own lives and problems, so we do not notice what is really going on with the people in our lives.  We are often so self-absorbed that we are disconnected.  Sometimes we see reality but do not have the strength or desire to deal with the challenges in another person's life so we ignore them.  

So for today, when you are talking to someone you love and care about think about him/her; I mean really think about him/her.  What are they dealing with, what are they going through?  Do you know or do you assume you know.  Have you asked him/her with an open heart and unconditional love or have you questioned him/her with a judgmental attitude? Take some time today to listen - without judgment or advice giving.  Listen to what the person is sharing with you with the intent of understanding his/her life from HIS/HER perspective. 

Motivational Monday with Will Smith

   Will Smith gives great advice and motivates us to be a better person!  Here's a quick video of clips of Will Smith's wisdom.

Your Words and Thoughts have Physical Power - Will Smith