Friday, May 6, 2011

Let It Go

Letting go is difficult sometimes. Letting go of those we care about can be a huge challenge. Yet as teachers, it is something we do all the time, perhaps without even thinking about it. What other life choice entails meeting a group of young people with all sorts of diverse personalities, getting to know them, becoming completely involved in their lives, more than likely growing very attached and then after ten months having to let them go? Sometimes you may stay connected if they are in the same school, but frequently, aside from a couple of visits in September, they walk out of your life forever once the school year ends. I ask you, how many folks do you know, other than teachers who can do that? And the amazing thing is that each year we do the same thing. Somewhere, somehow, we develop the capacity to be so close to these kids and yet when the time comes, we can set them off with a minimum of clinging and pain. Pretty amazing! Now if you can do that, just think how much easier it is to let go of petty
issues and grudges you may be tempted to hold onto in your days at school, whether they involve students or staff. Please think about it.