Inspiration

So I've been thinking a lot about inspiration recently. What inspires me to want to be a teacher? What inspires me to smile and find the positive in a situation that I would otherwise be upset about? Inspiration is so important, and everyone is inspired by different things. I am inspired by so many people, but I am most often inspired and encouraged by the little people in my life - the children I am supposed to be inspiring! Teaching (and I've only had a small taste of it) is so humbling... Every day I learn more about how little I know and how much room I still have to grow as a human being. My mom and I have been shopping for necklaces the last week or so. We decided that in lieu of getting matching inspirational tattoos (my dad was not thrilled with the idea and ultimately I think we both would have chickened out), we wanted to get matching necklaces that would remind us of each other after I graduate and move away. My mom is my best friend and I am really going to miss her when I am in Phoenix... Anyways, we are trying to find something that will both serve as a reminder of the other person and as an inspiration to be the kind of women that we want to be... We think we might have found something, and I promise I'll post a picture once we do. On the note of inspiration, I always leave the beach feeling inspired. Inspired to take more time to look at everything around me an appreciate all the beauty that the world has to offer. Here are some pictures of a recent trip to the beach that I found particularly relaxing and inspiring:

I love the beach! And, for a another dose of inspiration... Taylor Mali is a teacher and award-winning spoken word poet who writes incredible pieces about teachers and the experience of teaching. Here is a video of a great poem that is always encouraging and gets me fired up to teach! Finally, here is a quote that always makes me stop and think, and I have read it so many times... I will have it posted in my own classroom someday and I hope it might inspire my students to consider each thought they have... “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” ♥