Stop.
It’s a four letter word that has power. It holds the opportunity to communicate a clear, yet simple message.
So why is it so hard to say?
It is the one word I use when a student is being inappropriate, a boundary violator, or seeking my advice as to what to say when someone bothers them.
Say, “Stop.”
What is it about all this noise around us today? It seems to be a spinning vortex of information, misinformation, communication and miscommunication. It is nestled into every moment of every day.
Stop.
Are you listening?
Do you listen when someone speaks, or do you wait to respond? Sometimes I do both. It’s a work in progress.
Do you ever find yourself oversharing or emotionally vomiting with words?
Stop. Just say, “STOP self.” And do just that, stop.
No one needs to be the bearer of your misinformation, your quandaries about another, or the oversharing bulldozer of what is unnecessary data.
Hanging in my classroom is the following poster below that has the word THINK written vertically. It was made into an acronym for a few concepts. I saw the idea online a long time ago, and I made my own poster. Consider the following before you speak, share, or “share” through social media…
T-is it TRUE?
H-is it HELPFUL?
I-is it INSPIRING?
N-is it NECESSARY?
K-is it KIND?
All too often we are not provided or providing the possibility for communication that is quality, confidential, and kind. Listening to my friends, my loved ones, my colleagues, my acquaintances, often times I see my reflective behavior in them. My energy level shifts, my mood can fluctuate, and can be a barometer at times unless I truly concentrate on what the person is saying, before I allow my emotions to come forth.
I have practiced something with my students this year called, “problem solving mediation.” Now, it might sound simplified and silly, but it is the same elemental principles in having a crucial conversation as an adult. It can be challenging, but with continued practice, it can work.
Instead of saying, “YOU this, you that, you are, you did that….stop and think.” What impacted you as an individual? The, “I, me, my, mine of the issue.” Start with an I statement, breathe, and proceed providing adequate time for the other to share and communicate when they are done.
Now, it does not always solve every issue, but I do feel that learning the basic techniques of communicating your personal perception, emotion, concern or question is essential for little and older people alike. Start with the I, use THINK, and then communicate. It is better to attempt to work it out, then ruminate on a negative vibe or feeling that festers with time.
If I have learned anything from my losses this year it is this…
Life is too short. Don’t waste it with, “I’m going to….you should’s, or he that’s…” speak up, enjoy it, work on it, make progress with the simple steps you take every day.
If you need to take some steps backwards for grounding then do so.
Quit apologizing.
Stop agonizing.
Get up, get moving, and start doing.
Do for you, do for Debbie, live and enjoy what you are offered today, and simply be grateful for the opportunities that are presented.
As challenging, as uncomfortable, or as difficult as they may seem.
Face it. Live it. Love it.
Breathe.
startwithsparkles 