Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday - a grandparent perspective

"My kids are all grown now and I'm thrilled they are no longer in school.  Now my kids are happy and healthy but they were not like that while they attended school.  While in school they were often sick and had a lot of anxiety and depression.  I know it was because the teachers never seem to care about educating them.  It always seemed like the teachers cared more about the children who could learn easily and ignored my kids.  We have a lot of bad memories from school and what makes me the most sad is how teachers still no not want to admit the negative effects of being an LD student.  I hear my coworkers tell me about their experiences with school districts and feel sick to my stomach that these problems still exist.  I would have thought that things would have changed but they haven't. Now, I am scared because my oldest grandchild is going to be starting school next year.  My heart is breaking already just knowing of the battles he will have to face."

**This was a quote from a grandmother who called me asking which school district should she encourage her children to move to so her grandchildren can have a great education and graduate with a good self-esteem.   

Staying motivated when others are against you on Motivational Monday

Yesterday, I posted on the importance of teaming up with others to help change the world in How One Person Can Change the World.  I really believe in the power of numbers!   

I would like to point out though that it may not be easy. You may be like me, a person who sees good in the world and in competition with only herself.  It saddens me that many people out there are in competition against us, even if they are fighting the same battles.   

As you work on changing the world be aware of those who will work against you, step on you, or speak negatively about you along the way. 

I wish this was not true.  I wish we lived in a world where people were genuinely kind, caring, considerate, and had empathy; but that is not reality. You may believe that someone is your friend so you trust them and depend on them for support but when you least expect it they turn on you.  You may or may not know why.  

I want to encourage you to just keep fighting the good fight, stay on path, and don't let these people get you down.  If you stay the course and continue to be the good person that you are then you will change the world (or what ever it is you are trying to change).

I have these words hanging in front of my computer to keep me motivated when times are tough.  I want you to remember to continue to live your life with integrity.  Continue to be a good person.  A true, kind, caring person with empathy is not hateful, competitive, or negative toward others especially those on the same mission/journey/path...

  

How one person can change the world

Spiritual Sunday--- How one person can change the world!

You are not alone.  There are many just like you going through similar battles.  If you try to fight a battle all alone you will be exhausted and might lose.  If you want to win the battle then join forces with others.  

The voice of one makes a small reverberation in the world. The voices of a small group reverberates even louder and the voices of a crowd are magnified exponentially.  

So if you want to change the world (or just your school district) then join others with similar interests.  

Here's a great lesson we need to learn from the movie "A Bug's Life:"  

Thank you all for helping me on the mission to bring more empathy to the world.   Remember what we focus on we expand so let us all join forces, focus on empathy, and we shall finally have a society (and schools) that are safe and positive places.  A world that really does embrace and accept diversity!  

Sometimes I have felt alone on this journey and then I read your emails and messages you have sent me and I know you are all with me!

Cartoon Saturday -Fun with Daylight savings time

** my excuse for being a day late in posting Cartoon Saturday!  

Busy busy busy

Been very sick and busy the past few days but don't worry... I'll be back soon!  

I'm heading out of town for a couple of days.  Thanks for checking in on me... I really do appreciate you for doing so.  

Have a super day!  Cheers my dragonfly friend!

Examples of tenacity from the Academy Award acceptance speeches

Last night was the Academy Awards.  This events celebrates movies.  What it also celebrates is tenacity.  As I watched curled up on my couch with my dogs (& a box of tissues from the tears & a nasty cold) I often thought about how each person was there due to tenacity.  These people set & achieved goals in their life but the key was not giving up.  We all have to face failures in our lives and people in the movie industry are up against a lot of failures (we just don't usually see the failures- but sometimes we do).  

To make this point stand out more please watch these following movie clips of the actors & their acceptance speeches:

Jared Leto won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in "The Dallas Buyers Club."  He has not worked as an actor in about 6 years but decided to take on this challenging role of 'Rayon.'  

Here is a quick clip of Mr. Leto playing 'Rayon'-- This character is one that must have tenacity in his challenging world.

Here in his acceptance speech Mr. Leto shares the story of his own mother's tenacity and how watching her helped him and his brother go for their own dreams.

I am not sure I would have had the tenacity to endure being a slave. Those who have experiences such injustice have my up-most respect.  Here the powerful performance of Lupita Nyong'o in "12 Years A Slave"

Ms. Nyong'o does a tribute to the those who had to suffer before her.  She is so grateful to all those who have supported her.  I love when she said "No matter where you're from your dreams are valid."  That is the spirit of tenacity!  

Finally is Matthew McConaughey.  Mr. McConaughey also won for his role in the movie "Dallas Buyers Club."  He made this movie come to life by fully researching AIDS, the time period, and the real Ron Woodroof.  Ron was a prime example of tenacity because he never gave up and thrilled this movie of his life was finally made (another example of tenacity).  Here's Mr. McConaughey's wonderful acceptance speech!  I will let this speak for itself!  

Cartoon Saturday March Snow?

*yes this is one day late~ super busy Saturday yesterday!