Forged in Fire

Someone has to do it.

Someone does it.

Oftentimes, we criticize those who do. As if we have better ideas of our own – stronger morals and philosophies of our own. 

So then, why don’t we?

Why don’t we take on a leadership role? Why do we sit back and complacently allow someone else’s actions to guide our own?

---

A Recent Conversation

For those that don’t know, I am a 6th grade teacher. This has been the case now for nearly three years.

An incredibly taxing, yet rewarding career. Rewarding, that is, if you allow it to be. 

The world of education can be grueling. In all of its thankless glory, it has a tendency to break people down – to cause some serious crash and burn. 

On the other hand, however, it offers a tremendous amount of insight and perspective, for those willing to accept it – to actively seek it out.

Just the other day, I had to have a difficult conversation with a class of mine – a class centered around the teaching of life and employ-ability skills. (Yes, it’s right up my alley.)

The conversation was about bullying, or more precisely; how it has become “cool” to be mean and to be disrespectful. The “popular” kids pick on others, and avoid their school work – they talk back to their elders and act out to receive attention.

It’s really disheartening.

That being said, my speech to my students went something like this:

It’s not cool to be mean. It’s not cool to be lazy.

It doesn’t make you a better person to ignore the adults around you, or to make fun of those less fortunate.

Those who choose that path, will regret it one day, when they’ve grown and come to understand the weight of their actions. 

One of the many beautiful things about this life we’re given is the ability to choose – to choose which direction we point our sails. We are presented with the opportunity, time and time again, to choose who we surround ourselves with, and the outside factors and elements that we allow into our lives. 

You don’t have to be one of the lost souls seeking out negative attention, and feening for any form of recognition.

You, luckily, can produce something better of yourself and for yourself. You can set a standard of excellence, and of positivity. Others inevitably will follow, just as they always do.

So, why not? Why not be a trailblazer? Someone who stands up for what’s right and guides others through your choices?

Why not make it cool to be nice, and to work hard? 

That can be you, in the blink of an eye, if you so choose.

---

We’re Just Like These Kids

What I take away from those conversations with my students, or with my athletes, is that we are them, just all grown up. We were in their shoes, not too long ago. We made mistakes, we acted in bad taste, and our priorities were out of whack.

But, guess what? Doesn’t that sound an awful lot like our adult lives as well?

Aren’t we still flawed, and marred by poor decisions and “what if’s?” 

If your answer isn’t “absolutely,” you are kidding yourself, and the very reason for your shortcomings.

We all, in one form or another, are held down by societal norms, or toxic relationships (sometimes, a toxic relationship with ourselves.) We all have growth yet to make, and goals left to set and achieve. 

And so, just as I ask the twelve year old students for whom I’m responsible for, I’ll ask you the same:

Think long and hard about those you surround yourself with. The people that take up your time, and hold space in your heart and mind.

Are they promoting or altering your ability to attain the greatest version of yourself? Are they lifting you up, or are they dragging you down? 

Are you following? Or are you living on your own terms? Be honest with yourself.

It takes change in order to see change. For yourself, and for those who rely upon you – those who love and support you the most. For your spouse, and for your children.

You set the standard, and hold yourself to it.

Choose to be great today.

---

Thank you for taking the time to read. If you enjoyed my writing, you can subscribe to future posts by using the field below!

---

Any donation would also be very much appreciated! Funds go directly toward the fees associated with maintaining this web domain and providing my weekly newsletter. Thank you kindly in advance!