It’s hard to believe another school year has come to an end. Years ago, the summer was a time to slow down and have time for thoughtful planning, teamwork for writing or designing instruction, going to professional learning and lots of interviews and hiring great people. Today is a new time for leaders, for many it feels chaotic and full of uncertainty. Crisis seems regular, haste seems constant, and joy seems distant. The times we live in today are so different and when society is in chaos, the schools are the first recipient of all the conflict, demands and frustration.

So many educators are wondering if it’s worth it. I wish I could bring some of my old colleagues together and have conversations with those who no doubt are discouraged. Much of what we would say is how our work is a calling, our work is a mission for good and our work is the foundation of what happens in our society’s future. We can’t give up. The alternative is not what built our country or got our country through world wars or to the moon. So, we must have faith and keep our eyes on the prize for each kid who comes so eager to learn and each graduate who leaves with all the knowledge and skills they take from each of you.

Believe me, those of you who know me, know I follow politicians, I watch too much news, and I read too much about the incomprehensible actions and behaviors of our country’s leaders. Witnessing what has happened in my former districts, loss of great teachers and leaders, loss of great programs; troubled is not a strong enough word. How have our schools become the target of politicians? I feel like I am back to that kid in Shreveport, LA, at the Saturday movies watching the “Body Snatchers.” And just like you, I must pause, breathe deeply, go deep into my soul, feel my faith, and find again passion for what we do and how we show up to do it.

So, I share with you my heart-filled thoughts that I am hoping will offer encouragement and courage to set aside frustrations, and as Steven Covey taught us, consider what we can control in our circle of influence. How do we want to be? What do we want to influence and inspire in our little circle of control? Here are a few things that inspire my soul, and I am hoping for you too!

#1 Flourish Monday morning. Fill your soul with inspiration as you inspire others.

“Energy looks for expression. Vitality goes up when you express energy with action. Vitality turns to worry when energy turns to negative anticipation. Momentum is a series of small wins; win Monday morning!” Dan Rockwell

“You have energy for today, not tomorrow. Worry drains energy from today. Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength – carrying two days at once.” Corrie Ten Boom

“The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill

Action step: Choose how you show up. Adopt a forward-looking intention.

Next time: Check in for more inspiration with Part 2