Postcards from the Funny Farm

With the threat of economic collapse on our states’ and country’s shoulder, we need something to hang our hat on.  As an “amateur therapist” on the internet, and I say that with my tongue firmly in my cheek, I took it upon myself to provide you with 10 successful thoughts that will weather any storm, even the one our country is in now:

1. Physical: The body fuels the mind.  Are you exercising every day?
2. Studies have shown a simple haircut increases mood.  If you’re follicly challenged (like me) you could try shaving it.  Ladies in this predicament, ever consider a cute wig?
3. Our parents were right, you ARE what you eat.  Are you eating enough nutritional meals?
4. Mental: From a distance, things look different.  Have you stood back and looked at your situation?
5. Our long-held beliefs determine the way we view situations in life.  We are many time wrong about our situation.  ie; because your boss calls you in doesn’t mean you’re being fired.  Are you beliefs dooming your reactions?
6. You have 2 eyes, 2 ears, and only one mouth.  Try observing and listening more while talking less.
7. Inspirational: “80% of success is showing up” -Woody Allen
8. Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, usually do.
9. Learn how to find peace between the things that happen.
10. If at first you don’t succeed, redefine success.

I realized tonight how there are so many faces to Damien.  Not only do I write three blogs but there are also potential hundreds of me in real life that could write more.  Sometimes, being able to bring the right one up on command is the key to successful living.

When I am at work, I teach with a certain demeanor.  I am with kids so I act silly and try to drop a lot of Nickelodeon references.  When I deal with co-workers I become a listener, a different sort of teacher, a coach, and maybe sometimes in the teacher’s lounge, a type that might complain once in a while.  As you can see I have already mentioned a whole lot of faces of me.

When I get home there is the husband to wife, “How was your day?” face.  The kids run up and hug my legs never to let go easily face.  There is the “Dad help me with my homework face,” and of course the one you see the effect of daily: the blogging face. All the promotional products on TV present so many discordant images of what face should be ours.

I think about how we need to be aware of the faces we show at different times in our lives.  I have given my son the frustrated teacher face one too many times.  He deserves the loving dad face.  I need to work hard at that.  When my 1 year old cries and reaches for me, she doesn’t need the blogger’s profile.  She deserves the loving, tickling, dada face.  This has been a quick blogging and life tip. Does any of this ring true with you and your faces?

Check out my other blogs at:

Damien at the Speed of Life

Dynamite Lesson Plan