To make mistakes and bad decisions is to be human - we all do, often. Instead of dwelling on mistakes as evidence of our flaws, it's better to reflect on them as learning opportunities. In this "learning from mistakes" circle, we use Portia Nelson's beautiful poem, "An Autobiography in Five Short Chapters." Kati Delahanty has used this poem for years in such beautiful ways (click here).

Leslie Gant, Mark Lonergan, and Jess Madden-Fuoco will be teaching the Observation and Feedback course again this winter. Learn to be a stronger evaluator, coach, and colleague by learning ways to support teachers' growth through observing and giving feedback. 1 ALC or 15 PDPs. The winter dates: January 19, February 2, and February 16. Sign up here. Please share the flyer with colleagues who might be interested.

I started daily gratitude journaling in 2019, and it has changed me. But for it to work, you have to be specific, which Marie Forleo explains (video). 

Research shows that a gratitude practice is one of the best ways to foster resilience and happiness. This video from Edutopia includes three practical ways teachers can help students build their gratitude muscle.

We always want time with family to be carefree and easy and breezy, but for most of us, it is not that way. If you found yourself around family and acting more like you did when you were a teen, you aren't alone; we aren't alone. This NYT article explains why we regress: "It’s called family systems theory — the notion that families have an equilibrium, and each person has a fixed role that “is in service of keeping the family system intact,” said Pooja Lakshmin, M.D." So if you - like me - found yourself acting in ways that aren't aligned with your values, be gentle with yourself - everything is a learning opportunity, and life is a series of moments to begin again.