When the Christmas season arrives each year, it renews our spirits and reminds us that we are not alone on this planet, and that serving others lifts not only those being served, but the servers themselves. Who doesn't love the season of giving? The final segments of the news shows are filled with stories of those who are doing good for others: toy drives by schools and Marines and more, sock drives for the homeless, church dinners open to all, and random people handing out $100 bills. Everyone enjoys these stories because they are such a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the real world we live in a world in which we have grown calloused to the carjackings and gun violence, the robberies and the murders. In my opinion, the world could surely use more kindness, and that premise led me to these two questions: What would happen if everyone put forth an effort to make kindness a part of their everyday lives? How would the world change?
I can share a bit of my personal experience with you. I have been practicing doing at least one kind deed every day for several years. I will say that I enjoy seeing the smiles a simple kind word or kind deed can bring, and I love the feeling of making someone else happy, because their happiness makes ME happy, too. I always hope that the receivers of kind deeds will continue that "kindness train," making it an endless train. Wouldn't that make a beautiful world?
My Christmas wish for my readers: May you be both the recipient and the giver of many kindnesses, this Christmas season and beyond. Merry Christmas and happy Holidays!
"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." Scott Adams
Visit Dede's web page 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
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!
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Twitter @dederittman
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