I have always loved this passage in the Bible about seasons of change (Ecclesiastes 3). These past few months have brought that into sharp focus for me, both the good and the bad. My school recently lost our principal, a smart and amazing woman, leaving our community heartbroken. My youngest son is graduating from high school this month. I sold my home and am starting a new job next school year. I really don’t like change at all, but it is part of life.
Many of my students are not fans of change either, but time will still bring these shifts, ready or not. I am reminded in my own season of life of all the lessons I have tried to share with my students: mindfulness, being flexible, thinking about other people, recognizing all of our feelings instead of pushing those uncomfortable ones away. The best I can do for them, and for myself, is to try and remain present and calm. Embracing the feelings that change brings is not only healthy, but crucial in helping us to move forward instead of getting stuck. Remind yourself to enjoy being in the moment, not wishing time away or worrying about what tomorrow might bring. No one is promised tomorrow. Tell the people in your life that you love them, be brave and kind, and know the only thing consistent in life is change.
SmartmouthSLP 