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Abracadabra

Last year I worked with a sixth grade student who I was constant in awe. Every assignment, every task, and every challenge she approached with confidence.

She had failures but she never let the failures disrupt her confidence. She simply started again.

I tell all my students that, “I CAN’T” is the phrase that shall not be spoken. The words, “I CAN’T,” have power. Those two little words used together are the same as saying, “Abracadabra.” The magic happens and you no longer can do what you were trying to do.

This student taught me that success is inevitable when you try. It may not happen the first, second, third or 100th time, but eventually you will achieve success.

I admired, this particular sixth grade student, because she had already discovered that failures are just an opportunity to try again.

My whole life I have been so afraid of failure that I have refused to try. I can’t even begin to list the opportunities I missed because I didn’t try. I use to watch my student and admire her confidence and her abilities. With her attitude there is no telling what she will accomplish in her life.

As I think about all that I have to accomplish in 2011 I have decided to adopt her attitude.

I have two major tests to take this year. One test will qualify me as a teacher and the other will qualify me for graduate school. I use to hate tests, now I have decided to look at the tests as opportunities to discover my strengths and weaknesses.  In addition to the two tests I will complete my bachelor’s degree and qualify for a teaching license.

Not to be forgotten is my family. Sometimes there are a lot of balls in the air. I feel a lot like a circus juggler. In the past I have been afraid that all of the balls were going to fall and thump me on the head. I have finally figured out that dropping the balls just gives me the opportunity to pick them up and try again.

As we head into the final stretch of 2010 my goal is to live the phrase, “Success is the result of trying!”
I’m hoping that it is my, “Abracadabra,” phrase.

Happy Holidays,

Krissi

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