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September 2006
Fall is upon us, and with it comes an explosion of memories
brought about by the sights, sounds and smells of crisp days, burning leaves,
and football games. For most of us, it jostles the memories of childhood, and
the beginning of the school year: reuniting with friends after a summer of fun,
buying brand new notebooks and pencils, dressing in new back-to-school clothes,
and lunches packed with cream cheese and olive sandwiches and a twinkie.
It is, however, the teacher who is the most enduring memory
of all. I remember one special English teacher in high school who actually thought
I was a decent writer, and took the time to nurture the creative spirit in me.
Then there was the forth grade teacher who told me that I was horrible in math
and would be lucky if I could add and subtract my check book as an adult. I
ended up becoming an author, and finally conquered my lack of confidence in
math, to successfully manage my own business.
Our teachers are powerful beyond measure. They profoundly influence our lives,
how we feel about ourselves, and the path we will take through life. They can
affect a child’s confidence by things said or done, and can encourage
a child to reach their highest potential. But what we really remember about
our teachers is not ‘what’ they taught us, but ‘how’
they taught us by the personal example they set and the way they made us feel.
Especially now, in this pressure packed and fast moving world,
children just want to be appreciated and feel good about themselves. At this
vulnerable time in their lives there is so much pressure to be popular, to be
athletic, and to be at the top of the class. A child is lucky to find the stability
and encouragement they need from that one special teacher.
But the role of ‘teacher’ is not exclusive to the
classroom. I like to think of our lives as a giant patch work quilt made up
of pieces that are all different in color and shape, yet fit together to make
a perfect whole. Each one of the people we encounter in life remain with us,
and combine to form the patchwork of our lives. We are all teachers of each
other.
We are ‘teachers’ to the people we meet every day:
our own children, the people we work with, and the person who works at the cleaners.
How we handle those encounters not only affects them, but those who are watching
us interact. We will be remembered by the things we said and did, even when
we are not conscious of what we are doing.
So, once in a while it’s a good idea to think about how
we are modeling for the people in our lives. Ask yourself:
* Am I setting the example I would like for my children to see?
* Are my actions and words compatible with my values and beliefs?
* Am I teaching them the right things?
* Am I going to be remembered the way I want to be?
* Are people seeing me the way I want them to?
When you think about how your behavior teaches others, remember:
- If you go out of your way to be friendly and helpful … you teach compassion
- If you ask people questions … you empower them
- If you give unconditionally to everyone you meet … you teach love
- If you are patient ... you teach patience
- If you flare in fits of anger … you teach rebellion
- If you are honest in your dealings with others … you teach respect
- If you can face changes and not get rattled … you teach flexibility
- If your actions are compatibly with your words … you teach integrity
- If you read and are constantly learning … you teach curiosity
- If you do what you say you will do … you teach reliability
- If you treat everyone equally … you model diversity and compassion
- If you are playful … you teach positive attitude
- If you take time for your own needs … you teach the importance of life
balance
- If you work and play hard … you teach a healthy work ethic
- If you are on time … you teach dependability
So this coming month, lets all try to notice the legacy we are
leaving with the rest of the world, and what we are teaching others with our
actions and words.
Have a great month.
Love,
Cheryl
FROM LAST MONTHS NEWSLETTER: IN THE NEWS: Did you notice that
models are now being rejected if they are too thin? It looks like we're heading
in the right direction. This is a great step for our young girls - perhaps this
will inspire healthy eating instead of no eating.
Cheryl Perlitz is the author of the inspirational
book "Soaring Through Setbacks - Rise above adversity - Reclaim
your life" and “Soaring through Setbacks….Survival
Tips Handbook’
As a dynamic speaker
and facilitator, her inspiring, fun and motivational stories
help listeners and readers to "TRANSFORM THEIR MOUNTAINS INTO
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE AND POSITIVE CHANGE."
Cheryl is not a therapist, or medical doctor. She
does not have a PHD or an advanced degree in psychological theory.
She is a regular person, like most of us. She is a sought after
talk show guest because of her easy casual style, her ability to
tell wonderful stories that the listeners and readers can relate
to, and her understanding and compassion for others.
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