People are Beautiful

       So I have spent the last six weeks or so traveling around the world interviewing at amazing schools, trying hard to find that perfect long term fit for my family and career. It’s been an inspiring, exhausting, and exhilarating experience, and probably the best professional development that I’ve had in a very long time. I have touched down in many countries, I have seen many faces, and I have met so many incredible people along the way, and the one enduring take away that has resonated deeply with me throughout it all is that wherever you go in the world…people are beautiful!

       We’re living in an interesting time in our world these days, and it’s very easy to get stuck on all of the negative aspects of life that seem to bombard us at every turn. From terrorist attacks, to natural disasters, to election results, to refugees and war, and to everything in between, it can be hard to focus on all that is amazing and beautiful in our lives and world. It’s also hard to slow down enough, and to look closely enough, to see all that is beautiful in the people that we interact with every day…the little things…like noticing a smile or a random act of kindness or a kind word, and being open and present enough to let something that small inspire our days.

        I feel like I have seen the very best of people over the last several weeks, and I have been inspired and touched by all of the people who went out of their way to help me, to get to know me, to listen to me, and to put me at ease. I’m not just talking about the people in the schools that I visited, although they were all beautiful and inspiring in their own right, but the strangers that I met that had no stake in being kind to me…the strangers I met who helped me with my luggage, and with directions, and with some unsolicited advice and recommendations. The taxi drivers and ticket agents and shop workers and everyone else I met who were just going about their daily lives, but who still managed to smile at me, and talk to me, and to ask about my life…The world is bursting with beauty and beautiful people, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to see this so authentically over the past month and a half all over the world…

        So, with the holidays coming quickly, and the end of the long semester right around the corner, I want to challenge us all to reconnect with the beauty of our world, and the beautiful people that we come in contact with each and every day. Notice the smiles, and the kind words, and look hard to notice what makes each person so special and unique…and be kind and your best selves for others. People are filled with goodness and light so take the time to see what makes them shine…I promise it will make your day and fill your heart with joy. Oh yeah, in case you are wondering, I won the lottery and landed at the American School of Paris! It’s been a long six weeks but some of the best experiences in my life…thank you to everyone that has been beautiful to me along the way…I’ve noticed it. Have a wonderful week everyone and remember to be great for our students and good to each other.

Quote of the Week…

A life lived for others, is the only life worth living – Albert Einstein

 

Beautiful People – Aasha Thakkar

I’m thankful for
the beautiful people
in the world
like you.

Beautiful faces are
those that wear
a friendly smile
that say, “I care.”

Beautiful eyes are
those that show,
the kindness and warmth
that glows below.

Beautiful lips utter
kindly words
that show the soul
like the songs of birds.

Beautiful people
touch and bless;
they inspire hope
and happiness.

You will always be,
beautiful to me. 

Beautiful Videos – Please take the time to watch this week! – 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkSPAHeqd8Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW8BDgLpZkI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME9PmSZedB4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZTm-iYUpm4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jAC3FFXUgY

Inspiring Articles/Websites – 

http://ift.tt/2gVnoiL

http://ift.tt/OiN5HW

http://ift.tt/2gVw4We

http://ift.tt/2fZKnEY

http://ift.tt/VPY6Ea

from Connected Principals http://ift.tt/2gVqUtw