I was looking back at many of my blog posts and there seems to be a common thread amongst many of them—they all are about problems I encounter in school. I think I am losing my positive energy…no, I know I am losing my positive energy. What has happened to me? I have become “one of them” without me noticing. It’s really hard to find a positive post on this blog. Even the ones that might seem positive to someone, came from a negative experience. Ickk. It seems every post has been written for me to vent some frustration and allow me to spread my anguish to the blogosphere. Double Ickk. I need to find a way to replenish my spirit, my energy, my sense-of-humor bank. I think I have to center myself on the most positive people I know—all of my kids. They come in smiling each day and somehow I miss it. I need to get totally absorbed in their smiles, their laughs, their energy. I need to somehow lock out the rest of the world each period and be drawn into theirs. I would love to say that I should also hang out with more positive people but I simply don’t know many. I need to talk more about positive things that are occurring in school, but can only think of one or two people that would be willing to have that conversation.
So I am declaring October my “Positive Posting and Plurking Month” I will only write about things that will life my spirit up. It’s that simple. No complaining. No writing about how I wish something would change. I wonder if there would be interest in a Positive Plurk Day. For you Plurkers out there, imagine if on one day every plurk you read was positive. Every single one. You would not have to even look to find them, your screen would be full of positive vibes. If you have ever been in a room in which everyone is laughing you know how it changes your outlook on life for that moment. Maybe if everyone blogged, plurked, and talked a little more positively we would attack problems from a positive frame of mind, and we would solve them differently because we would have an attitude that allows us to see our challenge in a new light that the fog of cynicism and negativity clouded over.
**Disclaimer**
I know there are positive bloggers, plurkers, podcasters, and people. I am just in a mood in which I don’t want to have to look for them by wading through the others. I don’t want a 60/40 split. Just for one day I want to have only 100% positive energy coming from my computer and from my interactions with colleagues. I don’t want to process negative energy for just one day. I am bringing this up in the blogosphere because I think I would have a better chance of convincing people to do it here, than I would in my teacher’s room. So what do you say? Want to declare a day and give it a try? On my blog I would have a post with links to every participating blogger’s post. If you are a “friend” of mine on plurk, all you would have to do is Plurk Positive for one single day. I am not asking for a year, a month, or even a week. Just one day. Will you join me? Pick a day…
11 responses so far ↓
Paul,
Although there is something to be said with “Misery loves company” and that most of us have reached out for support with our PLN, I couldn’t agree more. It’s time to turn this around and focus on the positive. After all, most of us work with or for children! What could be more uplifting than focusing your efforts, thoughts, and motivation to helping students learn. In addition, watching how you can lift people up with a smile, compliment, and genuine concern….that’s a great feeling. So I’m with you my plurk friend, only positive posts for me too!
[Reply]
Very great perspective Paul. Looking at the smiles of the children and finding the best in everyone of them is the way to go. When negativity arises, I like to counteract it with a positive observation or comment.
I like your Positive Plurk idea!
[Reply]
Great idea! I tend to get a little negative in my observations. I might just try this myself. Maybe a “Sarcasm-Free” month on the social net.
[Reply]
Great idea Paul – I’m starting right now – off to write a positive blogpost & plurk.
[Reply]
I think a positive Plurk day is a great idea. One reason I keep Plurk private is that it’s the one place online that I do allow myself to vent and whine. Although I try not to do it too often. I agree feeding off the kid’s energy and smiling faces is important. I have been more positive since I left the regular classroom. A bad day in the lab is still much better than a day in a regular class with more and more being thrown at the teachers for them to accomplish is an already overfilled day.
[Reply]
Great idea Paul. We all too often focus on the negative and I know that it doesn’t take much to please me. One positive comment from a colleague, student or parent can make my day – so I’m with you on this one. Good on you for the self-reflection.
Pam
[Reply]
We have a slew of new teachers at our school, and their situation is not very good. As I see any of them each day, I try to be upbeat and make happy, positive comments to them. They appreciate a smile and a kind word.
[Reply]
That’s a great Idea Mr. Bogush. Sunday October 5th will be my positive posting day!
[Reply]
that is a great idea. i will do it on the 13th.
[Reply]
G’day from down under Paul. You should be very proud of your positive students. They are doing a fantastic job, writing posts, making comments, completing the blogging activities. I have noticed some even writing and making conversations with teachers on the teacher’s blogs. Keep it up!!
[Reply]
Hi Mr.Bogush-
It’s funny how you said that you listen every morning, because whenever i am looking for someone, I always see you outside looking right in my direction. I really enjoy how you take time to ask us about our weekend or night. It makes us all have a stronger bond, not just like a brother sister kind of bond, but more like a friend kind of bond. And, I thank you for that!
John
[Reply]
Leave a Comment