JumpStart Solar Eclipse Day (4/8/24)

Big Idea:    
his week, take a moment to celebrate something you dislike about yourself.
People often ask me how I come up with each week’s topic.  Sometimes it’s something I’ve been thinking about all week, sometimes it’s something I’ve heard, and sometimes - like this week - I stumble across the same thing from more than one place.

On Tuesday, my buddy Ryan Wamser forwarded me Simon Sinek’s newsletter that suggested this as the Call to Action for this week.

On Wednesday, I was watching the new Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix this week (don’t judge), and the voiceover of the last episode was talking about how we often hide parts of ourself and so sometimes we show up to the world wearing a mask, yet the mask it who we really are.

In today’s society of AI and Photoshop, perfection seems harder and harder for us everyday folk to achieve. In addition, social media shows us the very best of everyone’s lives - what we’re seeing is highlight reels rather than the everyday mess.

Often, we try to hide what we don’t like about ourselves, thinking the world then won’t be able to see it.  Sometimes, I wear hats so people won’t know I’m bald because I really don’t like not having hair. But let’s face it:  even if you’ve never met me, it’s pretty darn obvious I’m bald and wearing a hat.

Instead, I should be flaunting my ‘imperfections’ - celebrating them, since people often take their cues on how to react to something from you.  Also, people (kids especially) are great at figuring out your soft spots and poking at them, so why give them something to poke?

This Week, Try This:  Think about what you’re self conscious of. Ask a trusted friend or partner about it.  I’ll bet they see it as just a part of what makes you you - and not a flaw.

Quote:  "Flawsome:  (adj.) Possessing the power to embrace one's 'flaws' and knowing they are awesome regardless."

Educator Resource:  
Making Connections – An Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Intellectual Disability (ID)  April 23, 2024 – Time: 3:30-4:45 pm. VIRTUAL. 1 PEL hour and CE for Social workers, professional counselors, and psychologists available.
Register Here https://form.jotform.com/240855596554166
Learning Objectives:

• Learn about autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability and how they can manifest in the classroom. 
• Understand the association between mental health symptoms and school functioning and how these neurodevelopmental disorders can impede a child’s learning.
• Discuss experiences and questions about supporting student mental health in the classroom with other educators state-wide and MH providers.

The content of this course is targeted towards educators in the classroom and schools who play a key role in the life trajectory of children. Educators are often the first to notice mental health problems in children. We will discuss various neurodevelopmental disorders educators may frequently encounter in classroom settings. These disorders encompass a wide variety of manifestations and symptoms. Still, we will provide a framework to understand better what these disorders entail and how they may affect a child’s growth in and out of the classroom.
Educators will be able to engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and ask questions during a Q & A session. If you’d like to submit a question for the panel before the event, please do so here: https://forms.gle/13iwvawYirgijtXs8
Facilitators:

• John Ernzen, MD - Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago & McGaw Medical Center at Northwestern University
• Damian Dongho Gwak, MD - Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago & McGaw Medical Center at Northwestern University
• Khushbu Shah, MD, MPH - Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Attending at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago & McGaw Medical Center at Northwestern University

Dad Joke:  Dad, can you tell me what a solar eclipse is?  No sun.

Take care of yourself and others!  Have an excellent week.
Matt Weld, SEL Coach
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