“Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.”
― Ovid

“In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.”
― Anthony Robbins

Lately, I've been at my wits' end trying to fit everything into the 24 hours available daily. Persistence and consistence will prove to be key tools in accomplishing everything. At times wondering what all this is for, then I remember that long term goals will see snags along the way. I must remember that short term defeats or moments of despair should not make longer term goals appear out of reach.

Do what we do well and use these tools to get us through difficult or seemingly difficult times in order to reach our long term goals.

Quotes courtesy of http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/perseverance
Photo couretsy of http://www.meetbethallen.com/the-power-of-perseverance/

Google Earth!

I love Google Earth!  It is exhilarating to research places, use the place marks, and fly to locations all over the planet.  I have enjoyed analyzing the satellite pictures as well, it certainly allows you to view both your home and other places with a bird's eye view, and allows you to ask questions and simply wonder out loud ,"Why is that there?"  Wondering out loud is exactly what we want our students to do.  The more they wonder, the more they will seek the answers to their own questions.  As teachers, it is our job to promote student wondering.   Overall, I think Google Earth is a great tool for having students change their perspective, and explore the Earth from a satellite perspective as well.  


Quote/Picture Citation:  http://www.thequotefactory.com/quote-by/hermann-hesse/everything-becomes-a-little-different/63488           

Moving Forward

As I read this quote, I felt a smile upon my face. I believe this quote to have so much meaning. So as we all endure the stresses in our lives, continue to be yourself, know that we can handle anything, be strong and move forward.

What matters most...

After getting my Bachelor's Degree so many moons ago, I was constantly asked when I will pursue my Master's degree. Although I always intended to, there was always some thing, some reason that prevented me from accomplishing this goal. So after so many years of teaching, I thought I had missed my chance. Fortunately, I had colleagues who were persistent and encouraged me to pursue this dream - to take the plunge, take that one step...and now here I am...only a few semesters away from accomplishing my goal.

It has taken me a long time to get here, but I realize going through this journey that it doesn't matter how long the journey is, as long as you keep moving forward - that's what matters the most.

The Giving of Love

The giving of love is an education in itself. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Our professor constantly reminds us that "learning is ongoing."  Education is around us.  In everything we say and do, there is always a lesson being taught and being learned.  Love is valuable in our lives, and the giving of love is ongoing.  Although sometimes we forget, the gift of love is in everything we say and do.  We give love to our family so that they love us in return.  We give love to our work so that students can learn completely and enthusiastically.  We are learning new things everyday so we must continue to give love.

I CAN

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'lived through this horror.  I can take the next think that comes along.'  ~Eleanor Roosevelt 

This quote helps me to remember the horrific times in my life.  I know we should forget those kinds of memories, but they are reminders of the life I've lived and how strong I've become because of it.  I always worry about the simplest of things, and there are days when I feel I'm at my worst.  However, I've been through worst things, and I know I can get passed the worrying and move on.  

"Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head." Euripides Quote 

"Success is dependent on effort." Sophocles Quote

Quotes Courtesy of http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Ancient_Greek/Photo Courtesy of http://exerciseandmind.com/content/effort-attention

We all have the tools to make a change in the lives of those that walk through our doors or encounter on a daily basis, let that interaction be positive. Let us not stand in the sidelines wasting a change to make a difference, let us be prepared with knowledge and jump in with plans to help. Everyday brings new opportunities to help, make it count.