Crystal Nuding

How about EVERY DAY?

Lord. Bless us every one and especially our teachers.

I always appreciated teachers when my son was in school but I recently gained a whole new level of respect for them.

While I absolutely LOVE my son, there was no way I could spend 24 hours a day with him, much less with hundreds of other children. I didn’t have the patience.

Not only do our teachers teach their specific subject or grade, they support, guide and love our kids. Everyone’s kids. They deal with our happy, sad, hyper, sleepy, irritated, irritating, smart mouthed, bored, sweet children daily. And they put up with some parents that can sometimes lose their minds and forget what a blessing teachers are.

A teacher has the patience of Job and the heart of a lion. It takes courage and dedication to do what they do every single day. Then, they go to their own home, children and families to keep their own lives running on track. Feeding their families and sometimes themselves, maybe getting in some quiet time for themselves, but usually not.

Teachers spend home time working on school projects and thinking about lesson plans and standardized testing. On their hearts are the kids in their classes that don’t have great home lives and might not get good healthy home-cooked food or receive the love and attention they so desperately want and need from their busy parents.

Thank you, Teachers. Thank you. For being there daily, we know you are and we appreciate you.

I worked with around 100 kids at Blanco Middle school during April to help them mentally, emotionally and physically prepare for the STAAR Testing. The two days I spent at the school left me exhausted. I drove home each day alternately laughing and crying over what I had experienced. The sharing and interactions, laughter and a few tears.

It’s always interesting trying to keep their attention and share with them valuable information that will support them throughout their lives. I’m so happy to give them information I really needed at that age.

People that act ugly are hurting.

People, even adults, don’t always know how
to handle situations properly.

Parents and teachers love you and
do the best they can for you.

You are not your thoughts.

Your brain is pre-programed to focus on what’s wrong
and holds on to your failures far longer that your successes.

You can reprogram your brain.

Your thoughts can only go the direction of your feelings
in any given moment.

Breathe deep and relax, let the feeling pass and you’ll have
access to more supportive thoughts.

Be your own best friend.

Be good to yourself and others.

Take care of your body and it will take care of you.

In the follow-up visit I got such a great response. They had used the techniques I taught them and shared them with teachers, family and friends. Students reported feeling more calm and had avoided fights with siblings and parents. I was so thrilled. They were listening.

These kids are listening. They will take the love and support of whomever will give it to them. Teachers, thank you for giving it to them.

Please, please, please, do something nice for you. Take care of yourself. Schedule yourself time to exercise, read a book for pleasure, meditate, get a massage or take a long walk or luxurious bath. Get a great robe and thick soft towels. Use soothing and uplifting scents and lotions. Drink hot tea or a refreshing beverage. Eat healthy and delicious food. Help yourself recover your precious energy daily by taking care of yourself physically. You give so much to others, but you must take care of yourself.

As a parent I remember feeling completely overwhelmed many times and thanking the good Lord above that my child went to school. I was so glad to have my work day. You are there for them daily, teaching them academically, guiding, supporting and showing them how to be good human beings.

It takes a very special person to be a teacher and I am sending each of you my biggest, most heart-felt, loving and supportive hug. I appreciate you. So many people appreciate you. One of these days, very soon, your salary will reflect that.

Times are changing and the more we hold you up and the more you soothe and support yourself, envisioning better pay and more resources, these things will happen. I’m holding the vision of teachers having rock star, super athlete status and esteem. You already have it in my eyes.

Have you appreciated a teacher today?