Growing up in a military family I have had the incredible experience of traveling and exploring amazing places. Yet, no matter how beautiful the scenery or how unforgettable the people, there are some things I have found to be absolute truths.
1. There is something very simple that can instantly comfort people in good times and bad, those who speak different languages and those whose ages span generations, and that is a smile! "I just like to smile, smiling is my favorite!" -Buddy the Elf
2. Laughter is a cure all. Beyond that, there may not be a better sound than children laughing. Do you remember that commercial that used to play on the radio? It was just the sound of a room full of children laughing, and no matter what day it was, or what mood I was in, it always made me laugh.
3. Music can reach all people. It comes in many beautiful forms and has the unique ability to bring people together.
A long, long time ago...
I can still remember
How that music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And, maybe, they'd be happy for a while.
-Don McLean, American Pie
4. You are what you eat, so to speak. Not literally of course, because I can tell you the pasta in Italy is as good as it sounds and there is simply nothing like BBQ in Texas and Mexican food from San Diego, and have you ever had a hot dog with fried mayo in New York City? Oh, my! Yet, we are what we put out into the world, and how we present ourselves. I believe it is a reflection of how we take care of ourselves, what we put into our bodies, how we treat the people we love and how we greet strangers.
5. That said, what I've learned the most, in all my experience in life and in teaching is that every single person has a story. Every person you meet, at the store or walking down the street, every child who enters the classroom, and each one who runs by at recess, has an important and individual story. My goal is to strive, everyday, to make each child feel special by taking the time to listen, and to know their stories.