A Sober Thought

As we begin a new school year, I cast my mind back to the days when I was preparing to welcome a new class of students. I realize we were both approaching this time with some trepidation. New experiences can be a testing ground for all the wonderful resolutions we have regarding our need to be, as well as appear, in control. We put on our masks and face the world and then wonder why we are not experiencing the satisfaction we feel we should. Peer pressure is acknowledged to be a very real part of a student's life, yet it exists in everyone's life and often determines how we react in any given situation. We want so much to be respected and admired that we often acquiesce to what the "group" dictates, forgetting that they too are operating under the same false set of rules. We fear words against us as if they were actual blows. I offer this thought when such a situation arises. It comes from a cherished book, Faith In The Valley, by inspirational writer, Iyanla Vanzant, whose words have guided me over many years: It's not what people call me, it's what I answer to that counts. Disregard the negative calls and answer with kindness in all events and see what happens. Such a simple concept, and one, which embraced, can effect such a change in how we handle some of life's challenges. Would you agree?