Happy Velociraptor Awareness Month! (9/12/22)

Big Idea:  Last week, the idea was about moving AWAY from things/people/ideas/goals. Humans are constantly moving - both physically and psychologically. This week, let’s explore moving TOWARD those things.  Most often, if we are moving to something, we have been summoned. A friend asks us over for dinner, our partner calls or texts. A deadline approaches and we move toward a goal or toward the completion of a project.

But what happens if we are drawn to something that’s not in our best interest, like a bad habit, an unhealthy relationship, or just one more committee? Remember that we can control just two things in our life, and one of those is our actions. We can stop ourselves from moving toward one thing, change direction, and move toward another. Life is a constant moving toward and away from things, and those things change.

What if we can’t stop our trajectory toward something that we know is harmful? That’s when it ‘s important to find outside help. Having the self awareness to notice a) your direction, and b) your need for intervention is something we all strive for. If we could instill this skill in our students, I’d bet there’d be fewer successful suicides.

This week, try this: Practice thinking of yourself in third person - like you’re outside of yourself watching you in a movie. What are you moving toward? Do you need a course correction?

Quote of the Week:  "If we were meant to stay in one place, we'd have roots instead of feet." (Rachel Wolchin)

Resource:  You'd think the Illinois SEL Standards would be easy to find and read.  Whatever.  I created my own summary sheet.

Dad Joke:  When I asked my dog, "What's two minus two?" He said nothing.