Grateful for Teachers (TY-21)

Teachers come in many forms. You have your traditional classroom teachers and then you have people, situations and events in your life, which may teach you life lessons. These teachers in our lives are very important whether they be people, situations or events, because they help us to experience things and gain wisdom. I deeply appreciate all the different and unexpected teachers in my life.

Some came in the form of heart breaks, natural disasters and embarrassing situations; and, others came in the form of significant people in my life including traditional teachers. I am grateful for the bullies who taunted me, because they taught me resilience. I am grateful for the fears in my life, because they taught me courage. I am grateful for the wants and desires in my life, because they taught me patience. Every life lesson had a teacher for whom and which I value and appreciate.

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Appreciating Life

I am deeply grateful to be alive and to experience life. My friend Art posted a story, The Tea Cup (original title: The Potter and the Clay) in hisblog, Zendictive October 26,2012, which beautifully illustrates life. The Tea Cup is a metaphor on how we may not always appreciate the hardships and strife of the moment in our lives. In the process of becoming a beautiful teacup, a lump of clay must be pounded, kneaded, spun around, molded, fired, painted and fired again. Each step made the clay stronger and stronger. As with life, every hardship makes us stronger and stronger.

I fully appreciate the story Art shared on his blog; and, I deeply appreciate my own life. I see how each hurt and hardship I have experienced has made me who I am today! Yes, I didn’t enjoy experiencing the hurts, trials and tribulations, but I knew I could get through them and be a stronger person because of them.

There was a time in my life when I had to take a hard look at my career as a teacher. I was teaching middle school math at the time. Each day I planned amazing lessons, which often were not well received by the students who were coming from poverty and broken homes. I had to be nurturing first, before I could go on with the math lessons. I was also finishing up my doctoral studies.

All that was left to do was edit my doctoral dissertation by adding more current scholarly research to my review of literature on the topic of bullying and cyber-bullying. I soon learned that I had to redo my study, because it didn’t meet the perceived criteria, which meant having to rewrite the protocol, the questions and procedures of the study, ascertain if I still has permission to use human subjects or did I have to go through the human research review board again. My dissertation director of the time told me, “If I were you I would resign my teaching position.”

I was in a quandary. Do I give up my livelihood to finish my dream? After much debate and a heart-to-heart discussion with my principal, I decided to resign my teaching position. Little did I know that soon after I made that decision that we would be in a recession; and, I would not be able to secure another full-time teaching or administrative position. However, after another couple of bumps in the road including a change of dissertation directors, I completed my doctoral program. One of the sweeter sounds I have ever heard was when I was first addressed as Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko. It was music to my ears!

I made the right decision. I am able to do more now with my freedom from any one single school system in order to address bullying and inspire others. I took a mental pounding, I was molded. There are times when I feel I am breathing in the toxic fumes of the glazing paint. And, I know that each of these challenges are strengthening my resolve and giving insights to better help others. Yes, each moment of life we are given is a gift. We can choose how to use our lives. When can choose the easier path, the one that is mediocre and less challenging. I choose to seize each moment, pursue my dreams, count my blessings, love myself and others; furthermore, if I inspire others in the process, then I am twice blessed.

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Lines Going Straight….Bah humbug!

Untitled ART BOOK 101 Chapter 1.1 (This will be an ongoing work in progress.)

chapter 1 Straight Lines and Stick Figures, Oh My

Lines Going Straight….Bah humbug!

How many times have you said to yourself, I can’t even draw a straight line or stick figure? How am I suppose to create…..(fill in the blank). What is holding you back? Lack of confidence? Fear? Discouragement? It couldn’t be laziness, could it?

First of all, let us dispel the belief that your lines need to be straight and exact. Very few creative projects require precision unless you are constructing a house or a bridge. Now, pick up your favorite writing/drawing tool. Get out a scrap piece of paper. In fact, go ahead and gather as much scrap paper as you can find. Let’s has some fun creating lines.

I am going to have you close your eyes and create lines for at least 60 seconds (yes, a whole minute). Set up your space so you are sitting comfortably. Have your tools in place: paper and pen/pencil/any other art material you would like. Get ready, get set, GO! Now, take a look at your creation. Never mind passing judgment on your creation, focus on how it felt to just put your pen or pencil to paper and allow yourself to freely create lines? This is one of many ways you can express yourself. It is quite liberating.

I challenge you to try this at least once a day!

©AKOrobko

Follow the development of this book on BLISSFUL ART…my other fabulous WordPress blog dedicated to my artwork.

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The Positives and Negatives of Social Styles

Before looking at the pros/positives and cons/negatives of each social personality styles that are here,  let it be said that these social styles are generalizations of how one MIGHT act or be in CERTAIN situations . It is NOT how one would ALWAYS act. People have the power of choice on how they wish to be and act.

Each social style has attractive qualities, as well as, dark qualities. For example, a knowledgeable person can come across as being a know-it-all. Be aware that everyone has their positives and negatives. Often these traits balance out; and, understanding both sides of these social styles assists a person to acquire an appreciation for all people.

Alpha

Positives: knowledgeable, intellectual, industrious, gifted, deep thinker, inquisitive, analytical, competent, highly observant,  conscientious, great with words, gives sincere praise, innovative, inventive, loyal, aesthetic, visionary, idealistic, orderly, self-disciplined, rational, attentive to detail, hard-working, conceptual, determined, deliberate, independent, expedient, private, fascinating

Negatives: unemotional, critical, unrealistic, arrogant, sarcastic, egocentric, indecisive, legalistic, picky, unsociable, too abstract, skeptical, stubborn, workaholic, perfectionist, uncooperative, show-off, impatient, caustic, eccentric

Beta

Positives: efficient, self-confident, decisive, stable, practical, realistic, responsible, dependable, conservative, linear thinker, prepared, loyal,  honest, respectful, productive, organized, thorough, consistent, traditional,  punctual, sees big picture, leader, courageous, active, optimistic, strong-willed,  independent, focused, proactive

Negatives:  pushy, bossy, insensitive, inconsiderate, domineering, resentful, opinionated, harsh, proud, tough, hostile, inflexible, unimaginative, controlling, overly predictable, close-mindedness, rigid, hurried, prickly, stubborn, impatient

Gamma

Positives: diplomatic, willing, agreeable, easy-going, likable, respectful, reluctant leader, compassionate, concerned, imaginative, supportive, optimistic, patient, level-headed, calm, friendly, mediator, great communicator, intuitive, genuine, good listener, good counselor, enthusiastic, passionate (about causes), flexible, peacemaker

Negatives: co-dependent, smothering, martyr, unrealistic, lenient, self-doubting, indecisive, awkward, avoids conflict, emotional, easily hurt, busy-body, giving too much advice, withdrawn, fearful, too idealistic, overly involved, nosy, conforming, unsure

Delta

Positives: outgoing, ambitious, charismatic, friendly, stimulating, responsive, conversationalist, enthusiastic, carefree, compassionate, dramatic, generous, good sense of  humor, calm in chaos, spontaneous, quick thinker, creative, flexible, direct, stylish, motivating, fun, resourceful, great performer, confident, convincing

Negatives: restless, impulsive, manipulative, ignores rules, disorganized, insecure, unproductive, unrealistic, unpredictable, weak-willed, excitable, undisciplined, obnoxious, loud, reactive, exaggerates, egotistical, overly risky, flamboyant, unreliable

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Sunshine and Smiles

Today was an amazing day. I had a great interview with Wendy Fedan of Create-A-Way on the topic of bullying. If you would like to catch the replay click here on this link: Create-A-Way Today BlogTalkRadio Wendy is a phenomenal ARTbundance Coach who utilizes her gifts in helping people create a way for their goals and dreams. I am also an ARTbundance coach with close to 20 years of experience in gifted and science education. I have inspired students to tap into their creativity to achieve their academic goals in science. I have also mentored freshman teachers. at-risk students and started anti-bullying/kindness promoting programs in which I worked.

One of my best assets has been my sincere smile. No matter how rough things could get at times, I managed to smile through it. My colleagues and students have let me know that my genuine kindness and smile inspired them; and, it often got them through the harder moments of their days. I was a ray of sunshine and hope. Actually, I believe I am still a light in people’s lives (or I certainly hope I am).

It is amazing how a simple, genuine smile can get someone through a low moment, even if it is a smile for yourself. It nurtures the heart and the soul. When you are in a low moment in your day, close your eyes and recall a memory that brought you joy. Give yourself permission to smile or even laugh if it was a memory filled with light moments and humor. Joseph Addison (a statesman, essayist and poet of the late 1600s to early 1700s) stated, “What sunshine is to flowers; smiles are to humanity.” I find this to be true.

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Resilience

Bouncing back and recovering from a disheartening situation is resilience. Some people are more resilient than others. How do they do it? I believe resilience is developed over time through overcoming difficult times in our lives, whether it be the death of a loved one or coping with hurtful words. Seeing the blessings in our situation is one way to do this. I propose that we ask ourselves questions like: What can I learn from this? What is good about this? What is the gift or opportunity in this situation? What is funny about this? This will help us gain a different perspective of a difficult situation and allow us to grow from it to become more resilient. Bouncing back from a challenge in our life inspires others and ultimately brings joy to everyone.