Teaching Gratitude Challenge
Week 1

Who is a teacher that inspired, encouraged or supported you in your life? As we get older, some of our early teachers can fade into our past.  Think back to your childhood, your teenage years or even early adulthood.

School was tough for me.  I loved to learn but focusing on homework and reports was a challenge. I would find anything else to do, besides my work.  I could play with my dog, fiddle with my pencil eraser, make flowers on my papers, or just sit and look around.

Then came a really tough teacher in sixth grade. She expected perfect grammar, information packed essays and gave no credit for late assignments. My grades dropped, and my Dad was called.  I had to stay in one day at lunch to finish a quiz.

And then, she did it. She walked over to me.  I was so scared, but then she said, “I know you’re smart and you want to do well.” She added, “what do you think you need to do?”

Of course, I replied, “I don’t know.”

“I have some ideas,” she said.

We worked and tried new ways of helping me focus. She moved me to the second row and had me check in with her weekly on the long reports she assigned. She would look at me directly when changing topics or giving out the homework assignments to help catch my attention. She would make me speak up in class and assigned me in a group leader position.

Mrs. Carlson loved books and shared the magic of stories.  She loved history, government, and politics.  She made democracy come alive with her information about the structure and inner workings of our country’s leaders. She was tough, she was demanding, and she helped bring out the best in her students.

My Dad worked with me at home and helped me develop strategies to keep track of what I had to do. He set up a space in his office where I wouldn’t be so distracted.

Mrs. Carlson didn’t give in and didn’t treat me like I couldn’t do it. She believed in me and I felt it. She supported me and helped me believe I could do the work. My brain worked but it needed to learn how to focus and corral all the thoughts. My confidence grew.

She inspired me to major in political science in college and when I became a social worker, I still had her voice in my head believing that I could do hard things and advocate for children’s rights.

As I started my private therapy business, developed programs for abused children, taught Mindfulness in the schools and cancer centers, and now as I coach, her impact is in my heart and guiding me to share the encouragement and support for all my clients.

I am forever grateful to her as the teacher who had the greatest impact on my life.

Your turn.

Think back to a teacher who impacted your life.  Write a thank you note to them and send it if you can or tuck it away to read on rainy days. Share your story with your teens and ask them who they would choose at this point in their life.  You could even turn this into a dinner conversation with the family and listen to what elements your loved ones find motivating.

Here’s the deal: When we think about fond memories, the brain releases serotonin, the feel -good chemical.  During challenging times, we all need little positive breaks.  Finding experiences that incorporate gratitude take our brains to a very relaxing place. Try it and see what happens!

P.S. I’d love to hear about your favorite teacher! Please email me a short note, or share it on IG or Facebook. I’m sure the teachers in our community would love to hear what we remember after all these years!