Skip to main content

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

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

At my Age

I saw this quote the other day and had to smile. It has been interesting finishing school at my age. I have had this feeling more than once that I am a little old, and finishing school is something I should have done a long time ago. Usually I remind myself that we all have our own paths to take in life. My path had me marry at 19 and become the mother of four beautiful rug rats by 27. Marriage and children defined me more than anything. I became more aware of my talents and abilities. I really didn't know who I was before I became a wife and mother. Waiting until now to finish my degree gave me time to figure out who I am. Well, at least to have a better idea of who I am. I love being in a classroom, I love learning, and I love helping others learn. My inner nerd does little happy dances every time I learn something new. Each person on this planet has their own God given talents. We have a responsibility to find our talents and to make the world a better place. How old you are wh...

Hip Hip Hurray, Tomorrow is PIE Day

Well in a little less then 24 hours I am going to have to reset this counter.  I can hardly believe that it says 30 days.  I have to tell you I never thought I would make it this many days I really thought I would have to reset it at some point in time. It has been a huge motivation for me knowing that you guys are watching the counter.  Also, knowing that even if you didn't catch me in the time allowed you would see that I punked.  That I didn't have the self control, not to eat sugar. Every time I would think of eating a goodie, I would think about reseting the clock.  I would wonder who was online, I would wonder if I would get caught, I would wonder who would catch me.  By the time I got through thinking about all of that I would decide the treat wasn't worth it. Another motivation has been my kids, who have said, "Mom you don't have to reset the counter no one would know."  I wanted them to see that  I could be honest and not do something I shouldn't ...

Pinewood Derby or Bust!

If there is one thing that Brent and I both agree on.  One thing that we both believe is essential to the proper development, growth, and raising of a son. That no boyhood would be complete with out.  It would be participation in the Pinewood Derby.   Yes, on this one thing Brent and I are in total agreement.  A boyhood is not a true boyhood until a boy has built a pinewood derby car and then competed in a pinewood derby.  It is that important!  I'm sorry if you have never had the opportunity to live in a house filled with the air of pinewood derby. If you have never had the opportunity of watching a father stand to the side as his son uses HIS power tools. The opportunity to take a chunk of wood and see that inside the wood is the makings of a CAR.   You wonder why men are so obsessed with cars, with how there made, and how fast they go.  Well if you have ever brought home a pinewood derby box kit to a home with boys and men all your questions would be answered. Once the car is b...