Day #3.35 - Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

My totem animal:  The Praying Mantis

The Native Americans believe that each person has a totem animal - I believe mine is the praying mantis.  This insect seems to pop up in the uncanniest places and on seemingly important days.  Today I did something out of hurt and anger and a few hours later I happen upon this praying mantis.  The last time I saw a praying mantis was in my garden during a difficult time in my life.  I believe he was placed in my path tonight as a reminder that with prayer I will find peace.

The Bottom Line:

 Face it.
Nobody owes you a living.

What you achieve or fail to achieve in your lifetime

is directly related to what you do

or fail to do.

No one chooses his parents or childhood

but you can choose your own direction. 

Everyone has problems and obstacles to overcome

but that too is relative to each individual.

Nothing is carved in stone.

You can change anything in your life

if you want to badly enough.

Excuses are for losers.

Those who take responsibility for their actions

are the real winners in life.

Winners meet life's challenges head on

knowing there are no guarantees

and give it all they've got.

It's never too late or too early to begin.

Time plays no favorites

and will pass whether you act or not.

Take control of your life.

Dare to dream and take risks.

If you aren't willing to work for your goals,

don't expect others to.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

This is an assignment Cody brought home the first week of school.  I've been meaning to blog about it but it seems fitting now - a few days after our Induction and on a day when I really need to take control of my life and believe in myself.  I read the annotations Cody made on the margins - because yes - even 5th graders are being asked to annotate text.  His thoughts and feelings about what this said made me swell with pride.  I wonder if my high school students can find as deep a meaning as Cody did.  We will soon see.   Next week this will be an introductory lesson to reading strategies that make their hands and minds synergize.