Three simple steps on a never-ending journey.

If it is one-of-those-days (weeks, months), and you are in need of inspiration, please watch Sarah Kay’s TED talk, If I should have a daughter.

Sarah is a spoken word poet and a gifted storyteller. She shares some very meaningful lessons with us through her talk, lessons that while simple in design, require commitment to achieve. She detailed three steps to embark on the journey of achieving life’s goals:

Step 1: “I can.”

Step 2: “I will.”

Step 3: Infuse the work you’re doing with the specific things that make you you, even when those things are always changing.

She challenged the audience to list three things they knew to be true, and explained that in leading this exercise with her Project V.O.I.C.E. students, participants realize that they often share items on the list; they have very very different items on the list; there are things listed that some participants have never before encountered; and there are list items that a participant thought they knew everything about before seeing the concept through another’s perspective. She stressed the importance of using experiences you have collected to help you dive into things you don’t know, and I was so moved by her sentiment, I try to walk through life with palms open, so when beautiful amazing things fall out of the sky, I’m ready to catch them.

Educators have the ability to help students realize they can. We possess the determination to help students act- they will. We owe it to our children to ensure they’re able to infuse their passions into life and learning experiences, because, as Sarah tells us, Step 3 never ends.

What do you know to be true? What do your students know to be true? Is your school a place where your students and teachers can discover, un-discover, and rediscover the things they know to be true and meaningful in their lives?

8 Replies to “Three simple steps on a never-ending journey.”

  1. Thanks so much for sharing this, Lyn. I loved watching it. Thanks also for your words that followed. “Discover, un-discover, and rediscover.” We need to want that for those we serve. Perfectly non-perfect.

  2. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Tom. One of my student’s parents actually sent me the link, and I’m always on the lookout for an inspiring talk! Love that: perfectly non-perfect. I think we all need to do a better job of embracing our imperfections. It’s sure to make us a bit happier. 🙂

  3. Fantastic share! So many reflections running through my mind as I watch. How powerful this could be in so many different contexts. What a powerful way to connect and build relationships in the start of a new year. Thank you!

    1. Thanks, Scott! Students, teachers, and parents alike would benefit from viewing this short burst of inspiration. Glad you enjoyed it!

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