Six Things I Learned About Death

Everyone mourns a death differently. Some people grieve immediately. Others may experience the common five stages (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) one stage at a time or all at once, and feel like they’ll never get through the loss. It’s tough and different for everyone. When my aunt died last month I believe I was somewhere between denial and a bit of depression. I tend to retreat in private when I’m upset, but after talking with family and a close friend, I was able to open up about what I was feeling. Having a great support system helps. This loss taught me a number of things, and I hope the things I learned prompt others to think as well. Six things I learned about death?

· It’s important to be present.

· Follow through when making plans with someone. You never know if or when it’ll be the last time you’ll see that person again.

· Tomorrow is promised to no one. It’s important to appreciate and love people while you’ve still got the chance.

· Material things are false indicators of success and status. They ultimately don’t matter as much as many people think. It’s fine to have nice things, but you can’t take them with you when you die.

· I don’t have time to wait until I’m ready, wait on people, or until things are just right before doing and experiencing different things I want to do with my life. You may not have as much time as you think. You have to pick up the pace and get moving.

· I don’t have time to chase people, convince someone to remain in my life, get in other people’s business, or waste time worried about things that are none of my business or beyond my control.

Death can teach you more about life. I know it has for me.

A Year Of Being Ghosted

Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

How To Respond To A Nasty Email

Technology has made many people bold, rude, and incredibly messy. Often to the point where some may hide behind words they’ve typed instead of verbally communicating a message they want to convey. Such can be the case when it comes to sending emails. Ah, emails. You know what they are. Electronic messages that can be quickly drafted, sent, and misinterpreted (because you can’t always interpret tones or emotions through them). Which is why it’s key to know how to respond to nasty emails if they should ever come your way – especially in the workplace. As a working professional, there have been plenty of times when a coworker or superior sent an email my way that was petty, mad disrespectful, and unprofessional. And before I learned how to properly utilize email etiquette, my first instinct would always be to clap back. I just felt the need to respond and to communicate that I wouldn’t allow anyone, no matter who they were, to disrespect me. And while I haven’t taken things too far

Making Waves