Heather Eaton wrote the following blog:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”~Marianne Williamson
These words are very powerful. This quote has great meaning to me in a time where I see a family member going through recovery to regain her fears and inadequacies. The struggles we face as human beings begin to over take our every thought, action, and movement. In order to create our framework of possibility we must move forward to change our perspective. The downward spiral that overcomes us all on a daily basis can cause defeat. This is when we must pick ourselves up by our bootstraps and charge on.
Everyday I see countless numbers of students being overtaken with the perspective of defeat. They come from broken homes, gang infested neighborhoods, peer pressure, poverty, teen pregnancy, and so many other perils. This becomes disheartening. Just like Martian Luther King finding a way to awaken their underlying desire becomes more and more difficult. As teachers, we are now asked to not only teach the three R’s but also offer assistance in counseling, friendship, parenting, etc. This takes a toll on all involved.
I am so very passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, although I feel so stuck in quicksand as I watch the lives of students be overtaken with pessimism and apathy. How can we regain control in a world so lost? We must reignite the fire that shows students their dreams do make a difference and if they can dream it they can live it. The chapters throughout The Art of Possibility have definitely given me a new hope in the dismal situations that I face on a daily basis. I want to empower my students to live life to the fullest and to embrace each day as if it were the last.
Pictures from personal Library of Heather Eaton
Zander, R. & Zander, B. (2000). The art of possibility: Transforming personal and
professional life. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
1 COMMENTS:
Wow! Great blog Heather. I am already inspired just by reading your blog. It is true in that it is very disheartening to witness the homes and lifestyles that many of our students come from. The broken homes, the poverty stricken families, the needs, the wants, all of these things plaguing their future!
It is up to us inspire them and to let them know that although they are not currently in the best situation, there is a way out. There is a way to be everything they want to be, no matter who they are or where they come from, and it is our responsibility to show them this way! Thank you for your inspiring words of encouragement!!