School Days…School Days!

I was out shopping Saturday afternoon and it was clear…SCHOOL IS ABOUT TO START (if it hasn’t already!) and school supplies are flying off of the shelves!

It’s been a long time since I’ve had to buy school supplies and I’m not bragging when I say I have invested a lot in pencils, notebooks, binders, pencil boxes and the like.   I know the lists have gotten longer and more specific over the years and for that, I am grateful that I am finished with the mandatory school supply shopping.

However, yesterday, I found myself “shopping” for school supplies…for myself.   I’m not going back to school but I am back to work…at a school!   For some reason, I felt it necessary to purchase some folders…10 for $1 and a packet of spiral notebooks with bright colors.   I found it necessary to add some Sharpies and some multi-colored paperclips.   AHHHHH!!!   I wanted to buy a couple of binders and some organizers but I stopped myself, because really, I didn’t need anything!   I didn’t need anything at all!!!

And who doesn't enjoy the sale prices on the multi-packs of Kleenix and Clorox wipes so of course I grabbed a few of those.   Truly, I needed nothing but it sure was fun!

The beginning of the school year, with new clothes and new supplies conjures up a new beginning and a new attitude!  

I’ve spoken of the positivity that I’m working with and so far, so good.   Someone asked me if I was just saying this for the blog or if I was really feeling it.   Well, let me assure all of you, I am feeling it...most of the time!

On Friday, the members of my office had a Team Building day.   There were nine of us at a venue off campus where we shared activities and games, a personality test and words of positivity about each of us.  

One of the exercises was to look in the mirror (we each had our own blingy mirror) and write down what we saw.   I saw gray roots, a smile, eyes without sparkle, lips that needed lipstick, worry, wrinkles, and more!   Some of this was because I had a lot on my mind and I was a little distracted as this day began.  Based on the comments of my co-workers, I think I was supposed to go a little deeper (I see a Mom, a soon to be Grandma, a friend, etc...).  The second part of the exercise was to write something about everyone at the table.  

We then took turns telling everyone what we saw in our mirror.   Next, one by one, we took turns telling the others what we saw them.   We were encouraged to jot down the things that others saw in us.   These words were used about me…

SURVIVOR!  GRACE!  FUN (Peacock personality!)!  ENERGETIC!  EMOTIONAL!   JOY!  #GROWNASSWOMAN!

WOW!   People said these things out loud about me and although I didn’t feel worthy, it certainly turned things around for me.    These are co-workers who are also friends and they have been with me different lengths of time but definitely through the last couple of years so they have gotten to know me during some of my toughest days.  

At the end of the day, our leader wrapped up the day with something to be grateful for and she spoke with love and admiration about each of us.   There may have been a tear or two. 

I’m not sure why I didn’t feel worthy of all of these kind words, but by the end of the day, I had embraced each of the words, with gratitude.  I don’t think I’m the only one who has trouble seeing the good things in myself!   Maybe you struggle with that too.   I’m working to embrace those thoughtful comments.

As the school year begins, treat yourself to a new notebook…or a least a new attitude (if you need it!!).   It does make a difference!