Below is a section of writing from one of the blogs I read: Eblogger Jason at Heartist
“I’m concerned with hidden love these days. I think we underestimate how many people are getting railed by critics out there. We assume that they know they’re loved and appreciated, but do they? I tend to think that the scoreboard is really lopsided in favor of the critics.
Bloodthirsty – 9
Friends – 1
We have to put some points on the board. If we lose at this level, we lose at every level.”
I have to agree with Jason. A goal of mine this year has been to speak these truths to the people in my life. All too often I’ve heard students say, “I’m just no good at this,” and thought in my head wow, you couldn’t be more wrong. All too often a friend has expressed their guilt at letting people down or not being able to do anything right, and again in my head, wow, you couldn’t be more wrong.
So I purpose to make sure people in my life know they’re loved an appreciated. I’m not very good at doing this in person and on the spot, when I do remember to say things this way it often feels awkward and forced. I’m so thankful for written words in times like these.
My student’s journals have been one safe place for me to practice my affirming techniques. I’ve found that the more you tell them they are good at something (and name it specifically) the more they believe it, the more their self-confidence grows, the better they become as a writers.
I am learning; it’s not just students that need this kind of affirmation. We all do. Because when the bloodthirsty attack and believe me, they will. It’s the words of trusted friends that will get you through.
So go ahead my blog reading friends, let people know with words that what they are doing is good.
2 replies on “When the Bloodthirsty Attack”
okay Rach- here’s some encouraging words for you- you make me soo proud that you’ve picked up my heart’s love for kids and are carrying it to the next generation. I’ve been using your lesson plans on Bronx Masquerade and the kids are loving it. On Friday, we had “open mike” and one of my students shared a piece he wrote about how it felt to be picked on in his old school because he had ADHD and couldn’t sit still and when he tryed to read the words just jumped all over the page and he felt like a fool. It was such a brave thing to share- the room was dead silent as he read and for 30 seconds after he finished no one moved or spoke, then the whole class broke into spontaneous applause. A moment teachers live for.
Amen, sista- this blog goes for any one, any job situation. However I share that same “teacher’s heart,” although the hearts I try to reach are much tinier 🙂 I love being reminded of the importance of affirmation because especially in my field people think my kids don’t hear and comprehend what we have to say to them- good or bad. The brutal truth is that they DO. So thanks. Keep blogging 🙂
Your kids are going to keep their journals forever. Or at least, your written words of encouragement are truth spoken into their lives that is now forever etched into their minds (whether they like it or not, ha!).
<3