Don’t Lose Your Imagination

Awhile back, I had the chance to watch the film Christopher Robin. While I’d never seen it before, I was already familiar with some of the film’s background, as I grew up being a Winnie the Pooh fan as a little girl. So I thought the film would be worth checking out. About an hour into it, I wanted to cry. Not just because the film was well done but because of what I gleaned from different points throughout its story. More specifically, a reminder to not lose one’s imagination.

When Christopher Robin becomes a grown man, he’s no longer preoccupied with hanging out with Winnie the Pooh and Pooh’s friends in the Hundred Acre Woods. As he shouldn’t be since he’s an adult with a career, a wife, and a child of his own. He’s officially come into #adulting. However, he later becomes reacquainted with his pals from the Hundred Acre Woods and sets off on some new adventures.

At first, Christopher Robin has a hard time stepping into the childhood world he once spent his days in, but then, he begins to use his imagination again as he helps Pooh reconnect with his friends. Sometimes, some adults forget to have fun and dream, to have ridiculous adventures, and to use their imaginations in creative ways. Yes, we all have different responsibilities and demands and families and obligations, however, we must make time to tap into the good using our imaginations can bring. And while using your imagination won’t take you to the Hundred Acre Woods with an adorable and honey eating bear like Winnie the Pooh, perhaps it may take you to other exciting and peaceful places worth looking into.

Don’t lose your imagination. Use it and allow it to enhance your creativity and bring you some adventures and joy.

I’m Glad I’m Not Married

When I was about five years old, I was sitting in the backseat of my dad’s car when me, him, my older cousin (my aunt’s son), and my aunt (my dad’s sister) caught my aunt’s fiancé with another woman. My dad had been driving my aunt out to run some errands since she didn’t have a driver’s license or a car. When she spotted her man with another woman, she told my dad to pull the car over, got out of the car, and immediately addressed him. She wanted the keys back to her apartment and was done with him. The other woman she caught her fiancé with slapped him when she realized what was happening, and that was that. When my aunt returned to the car, she was clearly and understandably upset, and the ride back to her place was quiet. Although I was too young to fully grasp what was happening at the time, I knew it wasn’t good. And now, at 34 years old, I can’t imagine how much pain she was in. Her wedding had been planned and paid for – and she never made it down the aisle. My aunt was a beaut

The Best Relationship Advice I’ve Ever Received

I dislike almost everything about what’s now considered “modern dating.” Dating apps. DM sliding. Exchanging thirst traps. Hookup culture. The talking stage. Lingering indecisiveness in the “what are we doing and where are things going?” conversations. And the mindset that anyone and everyone is technically “fair game” if they’re not married (even if they’re “technically” already spoken for…) I’ve moved through some of the things listed above and have found the modern dating world draining. And while I’ve approached dating the “Christian way,” cried out to God, tried being more open, and out of frustration, jokingly considered having a ho phase for fun ( no worries – I’m way too much of a God-fearing church girl to follow through with that life, but I also don’t judge those who do partake ), one evening as I was nursing some hurt feelings after a guy I’d spent some time with suddenly bailed, I remembered some sound relationship advice my dad gave me when I was 18-years-old. And

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

Making Waves