Because of me

This week I challenge my peers to focus on the great contributions they are making in the world. Not just at their schools but at their homes. I want folks to celebrate the positive things that are happening in their neighborhoods because of them. The purpose is not to brag or bring attention to ourselves but to rejoice and take pride in the positive impacts that we are making. This doesn't mean we are satisfied. We are not finished products. We are all in this for the long haul and are dedicated to constant self-improvement. Celebrating our accomplishments is a way to continue the positive momentum. The goal is to keep the mojo flowing. We are celebrating on the positive to continue the trend onward and upward.

I intend to start a movement (however small) where we celebrate our accomplishments. We have so much to be proud of. There are great things going on in our schools and in our lives because of our efforts. Because of things that we do, the world is a better place. The rest of this week's blog will be used to celebrate things that happen because of me.

Because of me, my beautiful, selfless wife has someone to be her best friend. She has someone who supports her 100%. Because of me, she does not need to worry if she is loved or if anyone is on her side. She has someone who will help her decompress from a long day. She has someone who will tell her the truth and maybe an occasional white lie. Because of me, she has someone who encourages her professionally. She has someone who helps her with household chores. She has someone who will help her bathe children, cook dinner, and wash dishes (one of my better talents). Because of me, my wife has an appreciation for sports. Because of me, my wife has been the champion of a fantasy football league. I make a difference in the life of my wife.

Because of me, my four sweet, wonderful children have someone who encourages them. Because of me, my children have someone who teaches them to be responsible. They have someone teach them to be good people. Someone to teach them to challenge themselves. They have someone who will make them email their teachers if they have a questions about an assignment. Because of me, my children have someone rooting for them at their soccer games (maybe even embarrass them a little) Because of me, my children have someone who reads to them. Because of me, my children know how to make fun of themselves. Because of me, my children have someone who plays with them. They have someone who tickles them. They have someone who chases them around the house. Because of me, my son has someone he can dominate at FIFA 17. I make a difference in the lives of my children.

Because of me, students at school have regular, positive interactions with an adult. They have someone who smiles at them. They have someone who gives them high fives. Because of me, students have someone who will search through the garbage can if they accidentally throw their glasses away at lunch. They have someone who will tie their shoes and get the knots out. They have someone who will fix their bookbags when the zippers get stuck. They have someone who celebrates their successes. Because of me, students at my school have at least one adult who loves them and wants great things for them. Because of me, students at my school will be disciplined fairly and respectfully. Because of me, students have someone who will notice them and give them kind words. I make a difference in the lives of the students at my school.

Because of me, my teachers will be greeted with a smile each day. Because of me, teachers will have an assistant principal who understands the blood, sweat, and tears that they put into their classrooms. They have someone who understands how much they care for their students. Because of me, teachers have someone who will encourage them to innovate. They will have someone who thinks a new idea is a great idea. Because of me, teachers have someone who will listen and support them. They have someone who will encourage them. They have an assistant principal who remembers what it is like to be a teacher. I make a difference in the lives of the teachers at my school.

As educators, we are constantly critical of ourselves. Sometimes we need to take a step back and realize the good we do for all the people we come in contact with throughout the day. Please take the time to share some of the wonderful that happens positive in your world because of you. Celebrate yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back. It will help you focus on why you do what you do. There are some awesome educators out there, far greater than me. I cannot wait to hear what they have to share. Use the hashtag #BCofMe.