Clean Up in Aisle Three...

There really isn't a clean up needed, but the last hour and a half has felt like I needed a clean up in aisle three.  To be more correct, I was the one who almost needed a clean up, as before I let myself escalate from zero to ten in about 3.9 seconds I grabbed a hold of my thoughts and thought... Leslie, this is crazy!  Relax already!

Could it be all the Christmas hype?  Could it be that there are only 13 more days until the big day?  Could it be because I'm finally feeling the "last week of school before a holiday" type of feeling?  Or, could is simply that I need to breathe?

I think it could be a combination of them all, but tonight's icing on the cake was when I went to log into my course through ETFO (One more day!) to submit my final assignment (YEAH!) and then BAM!  

No Internet! 

 

Really?  

Really.

Man oh man! 

So, I thought of this reflection I should be writing, the assignment I should be submitting, and those cute kids of mine I should be cuddling with on the couch reading away with (even though they were involved in a heated wrestling match over a new toy)!  Then it dawned on me like an Albert Einstein light bulb moment... TIMS!

Tim Horton's has wifi!  

Tim Horton's has peace!

Tim Horton's allows me to combine 2 things I love: coffee and the Internet!

Tim Horton's is going to save my butt, give me a quick break, and ultimately that breathe of fresh air that I was forgetting to take.

So, here I am!  Making it work!

And you know what?  This moment has helped me write this reflection.  Without this jumbled night, I might not have come to terms about what this course has made me think of.  For you see, sometimes we need a quick reminder that there is another way of doing a thing or two, another chance to make whatever it is work, that we might have not thought of ahead of time.  All we need is someone to share those ideas with us.  Sharing resources, ideas, and time are all huge take aways from my course.  And as much work as this course has been, it's also allowed me to meet and make some pretty cool connections.

This course has broadened my professional learning network, and I know that many of them are only a tweet or a Google Hangout away.  

With the expansion of new relationships comes the sharing of new resources.  The knowledge that so many of my fellow classmates share and have shared are truly amazing!  One of the best parts of this course was even just our twitter hashtag (#etfoaqiict2) and our diigo bookmarks.  The information, pages, and ideas that stemmed from it continue to leave me logging on daily (OK, I'm doing that regualrily, but now with more and more of a purpose), just to read up on what I could be learning.  

So, as awesome as this feeling of being finished is, yes, I'm done (Thanks TIMS for your Internet)!  I also will be looking for that next connection.  That next building block.  That next opportunity to learn something new.  From new faces, from new spaces, and to continue to learn along with my new PEEPS!  

Where are you on your journey?  What's next for you?  I'm going to give it some thought, but I'll let you know soon where my next journey online or offline will be!  I hope you'll join me?

Until then, take my advice, stop and enjoy each day... even with the Christmas craziness upon many of us.  Enjoy the smiles, excitement, and belief from the little people in our lives, and if needed, take a turn to your local TIMS, have a coffee, and breathe!

:)

Leslie

 

Red hot in the face, eyes down....

Warning!  This post is a little bit of a rant.  

Dancing with one of my intermediate classes, physical education in primary and a nice chat at recess with a colleague would be the makings for a great day in my world.  And it was.  Until the dreaded happened.

I want you to think back to the last time you were in trouble.  Trouble that made your face feel hot, your eyes lower, and even made you stop whatever you were doing to just replay that exact moment over and over in your head.

Well, the good news is, I'll get over it.  But the bad news is, I'm still steaming mad at the way 'that' all just went down.

Let me explain.  

I know how I learn.  I do.  I'm also quite good at speaking up if I don't understand something, usually after I've tried to figure whatever it is by first doing my own little research project on the answer, AKA by Googling it!  So, when that fails, then I'll 'giddy up' and get help.

Here lies the problem.  When you ask for help and you don't receive the answer you are expecting in your own mind, then it's quite a shock when the person offering the support quickly shuts you down and dismisses your inquiry.

Today I asked how to do X, Y, and Z.  While asking, another participant and I began discuss how to solve my question.  As a group we were just on that very topic and I was simply looking for more info, more clarification, more insight into grasping the new concept.

That's when IT happened.  The TROUBLE.  Basically the "could you be quiet, people are trying to learn here!" speech.

My face grew hot.  My eyes lowered.  And I shut down.

That's it.  I was done.  Done trying to be a collaborator, a problem solver, and even a real participant.

As I write this right now, I'm still quite angry.  Quite hurt.  And even a little embarrassed.  Learning to me is almost emotional.  I see it in my students and I see it in myself.  Can you think of a time when you were so bloody proud because of an accomplishment?  And vise-versa, easily bringing forth a memory of when you failed to do something as well as you had hoped?  That's emotion.  That's learning.  That's LIFE!  

So, what to do?  Well, I thought about speaking to the person who, knowingly or unknowingly made me go silent.  But I still feel to...to... to... backhanded if you will?

Then I started thinking how students must feel.  How do we approach them when we are ready to move on and they are still where I was?  Still searching, still 'in' the conversation trying to make whatever concept it is click for them?  How do I react?  How do you react?  After today, I sure as better not ever make a student feel so shut down, so shut off, and to be honest, feel so unvalued.

Because I'm an adult and because I have strategies and supports, I can deal with today.  And I will.
I'm here now, getting it off my chest, trying to make this reflective.  Trying to learn from the feeling.  The best part is, in about twenty minutes I will be carolling with my son, his school choir, and spreading Christmas cheer.  Thank you for listening.  Thanks for hopefully seeing things from my point of view.  Helping me see it from the view of a student, and hopefully engraining this memory in my head as I move forward.

Leslie

Jingle Jangle Goes The Keys...

Today was a pretty typical day for me.  Up early, washer loaded and laundry folded.  Kids breakfast served and then off to McDonald's for my 'free' coffee, via my husbands full coffee card.
So, today started as all Friday's do.  And by mid-morning I had already locked myself out of my office.  TWICE.  Again, another normality in my hair-brained world.

As I went to seek out the custodian to ask for help the second time, I realized that his ring of keys was well stacked.  How does he seem to move with the weight of those keys on his hips?  I'm positive I would feel off kilter and would be out of sorts.  Because he knows me, and he gets my issue with my silly door, he does what I ask and carefully tosses me the keys and wishes me luck.  Again, for the second time!

Now, the fact that he knows that I know which key to use off that giant ring makes this little transaction easier for the both of us.  But, if I had to go back into the past, it wouldn't be like this.  Well, the forgetfulness would be there, maybe not as frequent, but it's there.  Instead, he had to give me a lesson on which key to use, for which door I had miraculously seemed to lock myself out of.  I can even think of an occasion or two where I had to walk back and ask for 'another lesson' on which key again..."I, uh, stopped to talk to so-and-so and I accidentally forgot which key was 'the one' along the way."  Yep... I'll admit it ~ some days that is where I'm at!

The custodian I work with is great.  He never gives me a hard time for being so forgetful or for somehow locking myself out.  He is approachable and never seems too busy to help.

I can learn a lot from that man.  I can learn that even though I have been given the keys to help others open doors and to be a problem solver, I still need to work on my approach.  In my ETFO additional qualification part two course in Integration of Information and Computer Technology, I continue to learn the tools and add to my key chain, if you will.  Each day in this course, my fellow peers unlock a door for me, and even give me a gentle reminder (thanks Rod, I needed that tutorial... Not as smart as I think I am!) which helps me.

All this learning and building my keychain is great.  My take aways continue to be too many to count, (this week alone I learned about Easybib, IXL Math, and thought more concretely about the technology 'growth' my own school needs) but it's only half the equation.  In math equations we see the equals sign that balances both sides of such equations.  Having the knowledge of the tools only makes you, in my opinion, half the technology support/leader.  The other half has to come in how you share your keys to those in need.  Do you simply hand them over, providing way more access than necessary and cause information overload?  Do you worry that if you give the keys away to those in need that they will somehow lose or misuse the information that you shared?  Or, are you like my awesome custodian, and give a lesson, offer support and encouragement, and provide hits here and there as needed?

I have a long way to go in my people approach.  Sometimes I think I'm being clear, and I am.  Other times... wow... eyes glass over and I know I've given too much too soon, or haven't been trusting enough and withheld info just because I can.  So, even though my learning continues to grow and shape, I feel that my jingle jangle still needs work.  It will come.  I know it.  I have a good teacher (thank you Mr. McDonald)!

Thanks for reading!
Leave me a comment below and let me know where you are building your key chain.  What type of jingle jangle do you approach others with?

The "Half Way" Point

Today was an amazing day.  Not because Chapters has 30% off all in-stock Playmobil toys or because I  was able to attend a super-meaningful Remembrance Day ceremony with my school and the local Mildmay community.  But rather, today was an amazing day because it's like God thought that I needed to be reminded about the importance of the "half way" point.   

Walk with me a little while I explain.

Tonight I was awesome.  I belong to OurTown Crossfit in Listowel.  I have been missing in action for a wee while, but tonight I was back to give it my all.  
I arrived and was excited to see what our WOD (work out of the day) was.  I knew it would be something special, being that today was Remembrance Day and we have so much to be thankful for.  I was right.  I arrived to see this:

After reading the WOD post, I knew tonight that I was going to be seriously drenched by the time I was finished 6 Rounds.  But I was also looking forward to having this opportunity before me.  So, I started.  If you are a Crossfit Athlete, you know what the warm up alone makes you sweat and aware of your breathing.  Tonight was no different.

Coach Chris yells, "3, 2, 1, GO!" and off I went.  Squats in groups of 10.  Dips in groups of 5.  My whole body feeling it.  All I could keep thinking was, "Get to the half way point Leslie... get to half way."  

The Box clock ticked on and my time was rising and rising.  But, despite that, I kept going.  Yearning to make that half way point.  Then I did.  One of the guys yelled out words of encouragement, "You got this Les, keep going.  You are half way.  Don't quit."

I kid you not.
Half way.  Don't quit.

I pushed on.  And before you know it, I flung my arm in the air to call out my last finished round.  I did it.  Not my fastest time ever, but, nonetheless I did it.  

I felt proud.

You see, I've been trying to work on myself.  Not just with Crossfit, but with running too.

After a few years of jogging on and off I can finally stand proud and say that "I'm a runner."

Yes, a runner.  I'm not the speediest, most gracious or elegant human being you will ever see move, but I am upright and moving in the right direction.  Last October I ran my first half marathon.  

It was unbelievable!  This was something that I always thought 'other' people did and could do.  For you see, it all started with a wish.  I wished I could do something like that ... someday, someday.  
Then, a dear lady, Dawn Linklater, who actually taught me to run through her "Couch to 5K" program, signed an e-mail with this signature quote from Katherine Paterson:

That was it.
I was going to turn that wish into something more.  
And I did.

I cried tears of joy as I crossed the finish line.  It was one of the best days I have ever lived!

BUT....if I'm honest with myself, and honest with you, at the half way point that day I didn't fully believe I could do it.  Really.  All that training, hours of leaving my family on a Sunday to do a long run, and the time and energy I put into preparing my mind and body, and I still doubted myself?

Motivation is one thing, but as I've learned it can only get you so far.

So, as I decided at the half way point... it was all downhill from there.  Half way.  If I can just get half way, then I can get my butt through that last half and across the finish line.  Turning a wish into reality.

Half ways are in our life at different vantage points and moments.  If you are struggling as I was, even after carefully creating a plan to get to where you need to be, the realization of making it to a turning point is huge.  

Right now I'm half way through my IICT Part 2 course through ETFO.  Half way.  Half way through writing assignments.  Half way through from missing the snuggles on the couch with my dear hubby because I'm on the computer reading articles (ok... not really, but maybe a little bit), responding to posts, and making my tired brain think!  Half way through engaging in learning, collaborating, and thinking constructively about topics and insights my fellow classmates bring to our online classroom.  Half way!  

But you know what?  I wouldn't change this halfway point for money.  Seriously.  It may be the half way point through my course syllabus and learning activities, but I know this is really a new beginning.  New classmates that I will call friends, who are only an e-mail or a tweet away.  New resources shared, and connections and experiences had.   

For as much as I need to see the clear "half way" point drawn like a line in the sand, I also know that the silly line can move and expand depending on where we are on the road to changing our wish into a plan.  

Where are you right now?  At which half way point do you need help turning the corner?  Who is there with you cheering you on?  Or, maybe you are where I was on that first "Couch to 5K" run.  Taking the first step is the hardest, but I assure you, when you make it to your half way point, it's all downhill from there!

Blessing,
Thanks for reading.
Leslie

'Necessary for some, good for all'

Alright, humour me.  I want you to think that it's 4 p.m. and you are at home when your son or daughter has just arrived from another day at school.  You ask, "What did you learn at school today?"  And, for a change, your son/daughter actually replies.  This is what you hear come from their mouth next,

     "So-and-so" just got an iPad at school to help "so-and-so" learn      and I don't think that "so-and-so" should even get that thing              because "so-and-so" never does his work.  Like, ever Mom!  He      never does his work, and now he gets this?  What a joke!"

Can I ask you what your reaction is?  

Parents, what do you say to your son, or your daughter when this conversation comes up?  Or maybe is already has.  Or, if you're in my world (my kiddies are young), it hasn't yet... but it will happen.  

In one way or another, over the course of your son or daughters educational history a conversation that is somewhat similar to the one above will take place.  I bet you money on it.  Pretty cocky of me to assume?  Well, maybe, but not really.  You know how I know?  Because I'm there.  I'm in those classes.  I'm in the hall.  I'm on the school yard and I hear kids talk.  And talk, and talk, and talk.  

And, I get it.

You see, as a kid, it's hard to see that the 'special tool of technology' allowances that "so-and-so" gets actually lets them start to demonstrate their thinking, understanding, and allows the rest of us to see inside them.  I am blessed to actually witness these miracles.  I'll tell you a tiny bit about one of those miracles: 

This student of 'mine' (because he's in my school, and he's one I could take home with me and call my own on any given day ~ but I won't because that's wrong...!) you see is doing these great 'things' with the gift (SEA claim) of his iPad.  Now, many of the same students in "so-and-so's" class may see that iPad, with all it's bells, whistles, and shiniest apps as the coolest thing since sliced bread.  And it is.

But for "so-and-so" that tool, that piece of assistive technology allows him/her to shine.  To read.  Independently.  To create.  Independently.  To rewind.  Independently.  To search.  Independently.  To calculate.  Independently.  And to do so many more educational tasks that this list could go on and on.  Now independent.   

And that's awesome.  

The really cool thing about that piece of assistive technology is that now "so-and-so" has a way to rock out his learning.  Now he can read the same level of texts as his classmates.  Now he can write through the use of his voice... just as I'm doing here!  (And you thought I was typing this didn't you?)

"Necessary for some, good for all" is just that.  If we lived in a world were money was no object than yes, iPads all around.  But, to be honest, I don't think that's actually what we need.

We need instead to stop looking at 'those' kids as getting the bells and whistles in learning.  Instead, we need to look and see where we can provide supports and structures that allow all our kids to have that step up.  To even the playing field, if you will.

We need to do good for all, regardless of what it is that that student needs.  That's the system I want to be apart of... And you know what?

I am. 

Thanks for reading.

I hope through my words you have got to see a glimmer of what I see.  And, if you could, the next time your son or daughter comes home and talks about "so-and-so," listen.  Listen to what your son or daughter is saying.  But also listen to the right in the world.  For it's those supports that is allowing for success to start.  "Necessary for some, good for all."

TLLP #2 Digital Learning From The Cart

My experience with the Ontario Ministry of Education's Teacher Learning and Leadership Program (TLLP) has been second to none!  You really can't get this type of personal professional development anywhere else!  And if you can... tell me where, because I want in!

Not familiar with the acronym TLLP?  Now really sure what that means?  I find it really amazing that their are a lot of people in the education field with no idea about this awesome opportunity.

One one hand I feel like I shouldn't dare to tell a soul about this opportunity (SHHHHHHHH!!!! DON'T TELL ANYONE!!) ...... but on the other hand, I feel like a girl who should be standing on a mountain top shouting out the good news!

  A TLLP is a project-based activity for selected experienced teachers whose choice of career is the classroom. It is intended to create opportunities for experienced teachers to enhance their professionalism and skills, extend their learning and share their expertise with others for the broader benefit of Ontario’s students. Teachers can apply, as individuals or as a group, to undertake a project. The program has three goals:

1. Support Teacher Professional Learning; 
2. Foster Teacher Leadership; and 
3. Facilitate the sharing of exemplary practices with others for the broader benefit of Ontario's students.

TLLP#2

As the title of this page notes, I'm involved in my second TLLP project with the Ministry of Education.  (Although, if you'd like to know more about my first TLLP project, "Apps in the Class: Teaching and Learning with iPads" click the hyperlink.)  It is both a real honour and a whole lot of scary!  For starters, the honour is that first and foremost my administration believes in me.  Your principal needs to be on board with the project and, for lack of a better way to put it, be on your side.  When he or she signs the dotted line, they are allowing you the opportunity to try something new.

Edugains

They are saying that they 'have faith' in your abilities, your plan, and even your success and failure.  (Because let's face it, everything in the education world doesn't always work the first, second, third, or nineteenth time we do something!)

Next, the honour and scariness continues as you move your proposal to the board level.  My heart literally beats in my head waiting to hear back from the board about whether they see the merit in my project.  Have I written the proposal well enough that they can see my vision, my path, and are they ready to get into the car with me and come along for the ride?  Sometimes I wish there was another part of the application, like the part where they could see into my heart about why I want to do this project so badly.  

I feel like I've won the lottery when you get the message a whole month or so later after submission that, by George, they do see my vision!  They too think this learning goal has the ability to be successful.  Yes, it does help to meet my school and boards goals, and yes, it does align with the position the board is steering in.  

The final bit of emotion comes when February hits.  For many people in Ontario, February is a month filled with positive emotions: the winter is rounding it's way out, chocolate, candy, and the theme of love is splattered everywhere.  What's not to love about February?  

THE  

You see, February is 'THE MONTH' when TLLP applicants (that's me!) find out whether they are in or out for the following school year.  I kind of place it in the same category as waiting to hear if your "accepted to university" kind of feeling.  Hoping and knowing that their are so many awesome educators and people in education that are applying for this opportunity across the province of Ontario.  In the last few years, the number of TLLP projects has grown.  Through the use of social media, voices from past TLLP participants, and key educational players, like Ann Lieberman and Andy Hargreaves, I'm so happy it has. 

I was blessed this year.  Blessed with the successful opportunity of having "a-go at it!"  Working my way through a project that is not going to only benefit me, my students, but also, (here's hoping) my fellow educators who are in a similar position.  

You see, for me, it's not just about getting to work with cool tools and new fangled gadgets (although, that is a fantastic PLUS).  

For me it's not about attending amazing PD conferences (ECOO, OPHEA, CODE), workshops (DancePl3y, MindsOnMedia)  and meeting a whole slew of awesome people in education along the way.  

For me, it really does come down to how can I do more diligence to my students?  How can I bring them opportunities to learn, create, and flush things about without this opportunity?  I need this project just as much as they do!

'A Closet' with #etfoaqiict2

Greetings and if I may, "Happy Thanksgiving!"

Thanksgiving is truly a time in tradition and theme of reflecting, looking inward, and counting our blessings.  Tonight I counted mine.  Well, most of them.  I talked to my God and said a prayer for how much I really have.  And I have a lot. A whole, whole, lot!

Just a little while ago my closet was bursting at it's seams.  For, if you know me, you know that there is a few things I love to do.  I love shopping (with a purpose) and I love clothes.  Like, really love them!  :)
I love the textures, the patterns, the accessories, and the feel of new items.  I love how they make me feel, and I simply like just having them in my possession!

But, sadly, after not being able to put a new purchase away on a hanger (because there wasn't a hanger left to be had in this whole entire house!) a little while ago I decided enough was enough.  Yes, that was it.  How much was too much?  How many clothes does one person really need?  How many sweaters is really too many sweaters?  So, in having a moment, I scoured my closet; purging, organizing, folding, and packing up the items that I really didn't need.

Now, I tell you this not to brag about my clothes or items in my closet.  Rather, to hopefully get you to see what I saw.  When does enough become enough?  How long had it been since I realized that my closet was become a hoarders den and why didn't I see it sooner?

When do we start to see what so clearly is before each of us before we need to change, purge, pack or fold the items in our lives that need our attention?  I'm really quite lucky in that this was only a Saturday afternoon of work to make things all better, if you will.  Bigger items and needs will not be so easy to fix, fold, and gift away.

If I place that same type of reflection on my journey as a teacher, a mother, a student, and a friend, can I see where my closet is too full?  Maybe I should actually be building a closet in some of those areas instead of purging and packing?

Throughout my first three weeks in my IICT2 course from ETFO, I feel like I'm really building the base for housing important items within my professional learning closet.  Our instructor Rod Murray, has helped us in these first learning experiences to build the footings, shelves, and hanging rods for my new closet.   In the past three weeks I've activated my thinking and learning by considering points of view from colleagues and peers within my course that I can honestly say I've not considered before.

I'm thinking about their thinking, considering my own values and standards, and looking to build a future.  My favourite learning experience so far has been creating a two year professional learning plan ~ with money being no object!  (As a conference LOVER, in this scenario off I went to ISTE in Texas... into the world of learning, engaging, and purposeful connection.)  But, while here in the real world, I guess I hadn't thought that far ahead.  Have you?  Two years.  Where will you be?  What will you be doing?  What do you need to do to get there?

So?
I'm thankful for the structures and foundations this first three weeks has brought me.  For, as with life, learning and building - it can get awfully messy.  In order to move towards my goal, I need to keep my peripheral view open to the items in each of the closets I own, set aside time to recycle and revamp items as needed, and give myself permission to purchase all the new and shiny things I need to make it work in areas where my closet is way too sparce!

I wish you all the best as I encourage you to look within your 'closets' and see where changes can be made.

Thanks for reading.
Leave me a comment, question, or information about a closet that you have that needs attention.
:)
Leslie

Proactive Through Reflection ~ I 'stole' the title from George... Read on!

Hello, hello.  Here we are again.  So, if you are reading this, you will be reading my second 'real life' blog post!  Each time I do this it is my hope that I will start to feel more at ease and more comfortable.  I wonder when that feeling will set in... probably with my luck at post number 932?  

I'll offer you a little spoiler alert for those of you who are reading --> tonight's posting has to do with my life as a teacher.  There.  So, if you would rather not get all deep and mucky with me and go down 'that' teacher road that I sometimes travel on, then you won't offend me in the least if you pack it up and move on to another page.  Don't say I didn't warn you!

Alright, here we go.  As a teacher I sometimes feel all I do is live, breathe, and think of other peoples kids.  Really.  No joke.  I do think of them outside the classroom.  In fact, many days on my way home it is absolute silence in my car while I gather my thoughts and enjoy a quiet moment or two before stepping back into the mom role that I play at home.

As a teacher I feel like I'm always trying to come up with the next best thing that will engage my students, make their learning fun, or challenge them in someway.  I've done lots, and lots, and lots, and lots, and lots of thinking about them... but have I always done so much thinking about ME?  About my role in their learning?  About how my reflection on them and their learning and on me and my understanding.  Have I really dug deep and looked at what the true reality is?

After reading an older post from my buddy, George Couros, 

(well, he doesn't know that I call him my buddy, even though I have been stalking him on Twitter for a few years now, plus, as a total aside... he's such a cutie!) and being asked to reflect on a post he wrote back in 2012, "Another Reason to Blog; Proactive Through Reflection" for my IICT Part 2 course through ETFO, I find myself thinking that I really need to carve out more time to reflect with a sense of purpose.  I think of my drive home tonight from work.  The sun was shining, I was already thinking of two students that I know I need to really check in with tomorrow, to see the whites of their eyes, and about how the day went.  Mentally writing a "must do list" for when I enter the doors of my home.  Thinking of the weekend and how great that will be.  Pretty typical.  

But, did I really reflect about how the past month or so has moved along?  What can I change, even subtly that will allow for greater success within my realm of tinkering?  

I don't know... maybe it's even too deep for me!  But, I think, no, I will try. NO ~ I will make it a point to reflect a little further, a little deeper, and a little more often than in the past.  For, as my friend George says, "If we do not take time to look back, how will we ever be able to move forward?" Good point George, good point.  

As I leave you all, when was the last time you looked back? What would you do differently?  What would you tell yourself then that you have learned from that point?  I'm hoping to paint a new, clearer portrait as I move ahead looking back.  

Thanks for reading,
Be well,

:)
Les

For Real This Time

Ok. If you know anything about me, you will know that I sometimes talk faster than I think, say things I sometimes wish I hadn't (really, insert foot into mouth!), and need to talk myself through different scenarios, situations, and to hear my own voice ~ all of it is in the sheer fact of trying to move forward, onward, or even upward.

I love saying things like, "For Real This Time," as if saying that allows me to start fresh, start over, and to reconnect with the thing that I was going to do in the first place.

Yesterday, while Facebooking, (yes, I know I just made that into a verb) I read something that a friend of mine, Nancy R. posted, and really took it to heart.  I found myself misquoting it today, so instead of miserably repeating it over and getting the point of her message wrong, I've included it here for you.  I hope it resonates with you in a meaningful, powerful way.

"It's time to stop waiting and start DOING. Every day ends in the word "day" and each month is just another month. No sense in putting off what we could all do tomorrow. Make it a daily habit to change one thing, ONE THING and you will begin to see BIG changes. You don't need a Monday, a "1st", a new year or a January. You need a new day, that you were given, an opportunity to WAKE UP and LIVE! 

That's it! Super simple with no days, no dates, no years, just the morning, another day, another chance...to JUST DO IT!"

Did you love it?  Roll it around in your mouth.  Say it out loud again.  How does it taste?  What do those words make you feel?  I tell ya, I'm feeling both inspired and motivated and completely overwhelmed and questioning.  Today I am trying something new.  I did it.  I blogged.  Half because I was told to ~ I do want to pass my IICT Part 2 Course through ETFO ~ but because the other half of me has wanted to document and share for sometime now.  (I started to try this whole blogging 'thing' many years ago, but seemed to fall of the wagon!)  Writing is supposed to be reflective.  Soul searching, and in my opinion, really great for reflection of self, practice, and life.

So, as I've titled this post... "For Real This Time."  Here is goes.  The start of a new page.  A new day.  A new opportunity to get it a little more right than last time.

:)

Thanks for reading,

Les