Category Understanding and Compassion

What’s wrong with being an equalist? – Wise Words Wednesday

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I am female. Professionally, I hold the same position as many men. I teach. I work cattle and care for turkeys. I am no beauty queen, but Kara McCullough is. In fact, she was just crowned Miss USA this week.

In the interview portion of the pageant, Kara answered two questions that seem to have earned her “ugly” marks from a number of individuals. I saw nothing “ugly” in her answers. Honestly, I found beauty in what she had to say.

When asked: ‘What do you consider feminist to be and do you consider yourself a feminist?’

McCullough, a scientist at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, replied “So as a woman scientist in the government, I’d like to transpose the word feminism to equalism, I try not to consider myself this diehard, like, “I don’t really care about men”.’ Sounds like she understands we are all equals and wants her fellow, male Americans to know that she cares about being their equal, contrary to being on opposing sides.

Not being a card-carrying feminist, I looked up the definition of “feminism.”

Continue reading “What’s wrong with being an equalist? – Wise Words Wednesday” →

The Joy of Overthinking – Wise Words Wednesday

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The Joy of Overthinking – Wise Words Wednesday

Joy of Overthinking

Photo credit: bluntcard.com

What is the joy in overthinking?

Worry, overthinking, and stewing over things we cannot control; these are all bad habits. I am guilty of doing all of these. It stinks. There is no joy in overthinking.

There is no joy in guilt.

There is no joy in worry.

There is no joy in stewing over things we cannot control.

Recently, my husband asked, “So why are so worried about it?” (I really should not have been worried about the situation.) My genius reply went something like this, “Because I want to.”

The question I should have been asking myself was, “What joy comes from worrying about this?”

The answer would have been simple. “None.”

If there is something in your life that you cannot control or guilt that you feel for the actions of others, ask yourself, “What joy comes from worrying about this?” Continue reading “The Joy of Overthinking – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Walking Between the Drops

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Walking Between the Drops

Walk between the drops

The ability to walk between rain drops was a mystery explained to me in the 5th grade. Only angels can walk between the drops.

Between the church and elementary school I attended, there was a parking lot. On Tuesday and Friday mornings, all of the school children attended mass. On rainy days we would dash across that parking lot from school to church and back again.

From underneath the overhang of the rectory, Msgr. Huels used to taunt us with, “Only angels can walk between the drops.”

I never understood the meaning behind this jeer, but I knew I really wanted to be able to walk between those rain drops. I was secretly scared of Monsignor. His gravely voice and demeanor intimidated me.

In the spring of my 5th grade year, one of my classmates (who was not afraid) returned Monsignor’s taunt with, “Nobody can walk between the drops!”

I didn’t want to get wet, but I was also too scared to move away from the scene.

The growlly voice of the old priest snapped, “Those rain drops tell me who the little devils are.” Continue reading “Walking Between the Drops” →

Life is a Hammock. Rock It! – Wise Words Wednesday

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Life is a Hammock. Rock it! – Wise Words Wednesday

Life is a Hammock

Seriously, there is no end to the rocking of my hammock! Everyday I make a list of what I believe is a do-able amount of objectives. Everyday my list outgrows what I can do and I often find myself going to bed at 11:00 p.m. still reeling from the turns my day took.

png 1 Can you relate?

Hammocks are supposed to be relaxing and fun. Life is not relaxing and fun at times.

Often we are faced with choices we did not see coming. The choices that swing us in new directions are meant to teach us something. Life is a hammock. We have to rock it or rock with it.

Last night my son’s team had their first practice. I printed drills and an agenda for the coaches (hubby and buddy J.). I printed copies of the schedule for the team on blue paper (so it would stand out). All the gear was in a tub and sitting in the hallway (so we wouldn’t forget it). Supper was made early. All three kids were dressed in clothes for the ballpark, with socks and shoes on their feet!

Hubby came in 20 minutes before we needed to leave. He needed a shower and wondered if we needed keys for the supply closet at the field. 😦  After a quick phone call, a set of keys was located. All I had to do was go get them….wait a minute… my son couldn’t find his bat. Okay, I would drive to get the keys, while hubby showered and the kids sought out the bat.

I got the keys and returned home. Bat was found. Hubby was showered. Hubby couldn’t find his glove. We were already 2 minutes late to set up for practice. Continue reading “Life is a Hammock. Rock It! – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Putting Us In Our Place – Wise Words Wednesday

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Putting Us In Our Place – Wise Words Wednesday

In Our Place

Photo credit: Pinterest

I am a horrible human being…

At least some of the time.

We all are.

Our kids, spouses, siblings, in-laws, and many, many others possess resounding powers to bring out the failure in us.

These failures lead us to dark and unhappy places. It is really tough to be put in these places and even tougher to move past them.

Here is the amazing news… we are not meant to stay in one place.

As human beings we are challenged to grow, move, and change all the time.

While I may want to duct tape my child into a grocery cart at times, most of the time I am more eager to entrap my darling with hugs. Continue reading “Putting Us In Our Place – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Refuse Corruption – Wise Words Wednesday

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Refuse Corruption – Wise Words Wednesday

Corruption's Refussal

“Seriously, everyone is doing it.” “No one cares of I do it.” “Really, what will it hurt?” “They are all bad. Do you really think we can change them?” “It’s just on the news. Does it really affect me?”

While these are all fine questions, they are also means for corruption to enter into our lives. Accepting corruption fertilizes its growth and feeds its power. “Refuse to let the world corrupt you.”

The morning news makes me angry. They infuriate me with their story choices.

Why is it so necessary to start our day hearing and seeing violence, destruction, and upheaval among the human race?

I guess it sells ads and gets ratings, but maybe it is corruption’s way of daring us to become complacent or uncaring.

Well, this is your Intentergy double dog dare to not become complacent and uncaring!!!

(This does not mean I let my kids watch the police brutality videos or the clips of the bombing victims in Syria.) 

Here is my challenge for you.

png 1 Do not allow the media to desensitize you.

png 1 Do not allow yourself to think you are above the law or regulations established for the protection of our communities.

png 1 Do not allow corruption to be an accepted part of your daily routine.

png 1 Refuse to turn away from those in need.

png 1 Refuse to let your light of kindness and decency be diminished.

png 1 Refuse to let what others think change who you are or what you believe to be right.

png 1 Be the change that this world needs. Do not let corruption take hold.

png 1 “Refuse to let the world corrupt you.”

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. I believe we all have the power to overcome corruption. We just can’t overcome it all alone. Refuse to let the world corrupt you.

 

 

 

 

Misunderstanding the Distance – Wise Words Wednesday

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Misunderstanding the Distance – Wise Words Wednesday

Misunderstanding the Distance

Misunderstanding creates painful separation. The most painful part of that separation comes from the fact that it could have been prevented if communication had been clear.

Misunderstanding is bred from hastiness or failure to fully witness what is being shared.

Recently, a student submitted the wrong document for his assignment. I entered a zero in the grade book, wrote a comment for him to send the correct assignment to me (so that I could give points for his actual paper), and emailed him a message about the assignment. He did not come to our next class. He did not respond to my email. Two days later he replied to my comment in our online grading program, “What was the problem with my work? I turned it in. What do you want?”

Clearly, he was angry because he did not understand what the problem was. I replied by copying and pasting my original message and a smiley face.

He never replied. At our next class, he was present and said that I had not explained the assignment. I pulled out the sample document I gave the class, showed the page in the text with the sample we shared, and redirected him to the PowerPoint with the notes and assignment that was shown in class. His response, “Oh, I forgot.”

I was hurt that he accused me of not providing enough information to foster understanding. Never would I want to provide a lesson that created misunderstanding. That is the worst distance between student and teacher. Continue reading “Misunderstanding the Distance – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Makes Me Scream – Monday Motivation

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Makes Me Scream – Monday Motivation

Makes Me Scream

“If I have to hear her ____________, ______________, and ________________ one more time, I’m going to scream.”

A super successful weekend is followed by an exhausted Monday morning. Friday was game night with the kids. Saturday we helped host an amazing benefit for a terrific cause. Sunday we attended church and I had the opportunity to speak to some super smart kids at the local National Honor Society Induction. It was awesome!

What to write about on a rainy, exhausted, Monday morning? My lesson plans for today provided just the prompt to get me going.

On a chapter about writing with appropriate parallelism, Question #8 made me laugh but then made me nervous. What if my students wrote their responses to this sentence about my teaching? What if my husband had to fill out this sentence? Man, that question just made me want to scream.

“If I have to hear her ____________, ______________, and ________________ one more time, I’m going to scream.”

What is it that makes you scream?

My scream would sound something like this:

“If I have to hear her back out of her commitments, show her disregard for others, and refuse to let go of the past one more time, I’m going to scream.”

png 1 I know what you are thinking…”Where is the motivation here, Melanie?”

Well, the motivation comes from this… What if we turned this scream of angst into one of joy?

“If I hear her ____________, ______________, and ________________ one more time, I’m going to scream from excitement!”

If we can shift our tone and keep our goals in line with our intent, positive motivation will call out to us. Heck, that positive motivation might just lead to cheers of joy and accomplishment in our lives.

If I had to identify my motivators for positive proclamations, they would have to include:

“If I hear her admit she is talented and beautiful, share something great she had done, and demonstrate compassion one more time, I’m going to scream from excitement!”

Seriously, I would do a cartwheel!

What makes you scream with enthusiasm?

As you make your way through this Monday, don’t let the angry frustrations set you off or mess with your motivation. Redirect your responses to resound with appreciation, pride, or congratulations. Be the one screaming excitement for those around you. Your cheering will do just that…bring cheer.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. I really do want to scream sometimes, but I prefer to wear my positive pants.

P.P.S. Question #9 “The instructor has already explained ______________, __________, and ___________” is one that makes all teachers scream. 🙂

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The Muscle Called Courage – Wise Words Wednesday

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The Muscle Called Courage – Wise Words Wednesday

The Muscle Called Courage

Courage is the toughest measure of character to exercise. Bravery comes in many shapes and forms. Any chance we have to demonstrate courage is a  chance to strengthen our resolve for doing what is right.

When I was a freshman in high school, I wanted to get along with everyone. I would work in a group with anybody. One day I was chosen to be in a group of guys who had absolutely zero interest in doing the Spanish lesson. To entertain themselves, they stole the eraser from a pencil on the desk behind us and started batting it back and forth. I didn’t say anything at first. I just kept trying to get them to vamanos back to the crossword puzzle. Eventually the eraser hit me in the face and I threw it across the room. That was a bad choice.

I hit Senora in the head!

My group could not contain their giggles. My heart was in my throat. Continue reading “The Muscle Called Courage – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Why is it “easy as pie”? Pies are stressful!

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Why is it “easy as pie”? Pies are stressful!

Not just a pie

Pies are easy to eat…they are not as easy to make.

With spring comes the start of church picnic season. My small, country parish has our spring chicken dinner this weekend. Each family is asked to bring homemade bread and baked goods for the meal and to sell at the Country Store. I enjoy baking and eating the desserts, but sometimes making them takes away from their sweetness.

Making the crust is a great stress reliever. First you kneed and roll the dough and get out all your frustrations, but then you have to get that beautiful crust into the pan with out making any holes in it. (Stupid holes!) Once the crust is filled with fruity goodness, you have to make your top crust look just right, because you know the ladies working the dessert table are going to judge you on your crust designing skills. (Judge lest ye be judged, ladies!)

The dessert table ladies aren’t the biggest concern though. What if your pie isn’t pretty enough for Pumpkin Pie 17.jpganyone to buy at the Country Store? Continue reading “Why is it “easy as pie”? Pies are stressful!” →