No question about it.
Everyone needs a fresh start and a new year. Everyone needs the count to begin at ONE again. Everyone has something from 2019 to forget.
I think the new year comes at just about the right time. It's winter time, which in the northern part of the country forces a better focus on work, with no poolside, backyard barbecues, and golf to beckon us away from work.
January 1 is a great time to start over. Here is my top 5 list of things to leave behind:
1. Anger. Start the new year in a positive manner. I know this sounds difficult, but let go of the anger that made you so unhappy and frustrated in 2019. When you carry anger, the anger is poisoning YOU. Forgiveness will make you feel so much better.
2. Self-doubt. You really have so much going for you, so there is no need to compare yourself to others, as they have not had your same journey. Look at yourself through fresh eyes- squint a little bit so you don't see those comparisons. Make a list of your good qualities and the things you do well. Make a list of those who love you. Keep the lists where you can see them! You are so much more than you know.
3. Jealousy. Oh, that green-eyed monster lurks everywhere, feeding on people who give into its whims. Were you passed over for a promotion? Maybe the other person worked harder, or maybe they were related to the boss! You can just keep being the best YOU there is - and forge ahead. Jealousy will consume you - not the other person, and just like anger, the jealousy is poisoning YOU. Let it go.
4. Negative thinking. I have come to the conclusion that we are what we think. I have coached and played thousands of rounds of golf in my lifetime, and if you say to yourself,
"I 'm afraid I am going to choke on this shot", you surely will. When that little negative voice comes into your head, replace it immediately by thinking of something you did well. It is impossible for the human brain to think of two thoughts at the same time, so keep the positive thoughts going.
5. Dreaming - without acting upon those dreams. This one is really tough! Everyone has a dream, but dreams don't come true unless we work toward them. What do you want to do? Write a book? Set aside a little time each day to begin - which is the first step. Do you want to start your own business? Make an appointment at a bank to see what kind of capital they are willing to lend. Do you want to lose weight? (I think we all do.) Visualize yourself thinner and set small goals. No one can lose 20 pounds in one week! Change one thing you do each day - like cut out the sweet office snack at 3:00 and replace it with some fresh cut vegetables. You will save so many calories!
So, there is my top list of things to leave behind in 2020. Human beings need new beginnings - an unplug and restart is just the impetus we all need to be better. A personal note about the anger issue - I carried anger for several years, and it really bothered me. I also carried the hurt that went with that anger, until one day when the load just got too heavy, and I tossed it aside. I even told others that I had thrown the old anger over my shoulder, never looking back. I feel much lighter now, and you will, too. Letting go of anger and forgiving others will improve your life.
Wishing you a very happy and healthy new year.
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school. if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired!
Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom. Check them out! http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl
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