Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. I don’t know if you get like this, but my personality is such that I give one hundred and ten percent every day. It takes me getting sick to shift my focus and body back into peak performance. And on top of that, my husband is doing a second interview for the job I mentioned in January. We have been in this process since the beginning of December. We keep reminding ourselves that anything truly important seems to take forever. Waiting is one of the hardest parts of life, I think! Regardless of what you anticipate for your near future, I hope you have a terrific weekend.
Quote of the week: “I had no idea history was being made. I was just tired of giving up.” –Rosa Parks
Joke of the week: Before I tell you my joke, I want to encourage you to ask Siri to tell you a joke. It is a hilarious endeavor. Also, be sure and ask Siri what the fox says…
Why are owls so apathetic? Hoo cares?
Nugget of Wisdom of the week: Making decisions and having a change in your life can be overwhelming. Of the many possible scenarios, the first one is that you become impatient and rush to do the first thing that comes along. It just seems like a good idea, and you don’t research it too much before committing to it. The second scenario is you have “the paralysis of analysis,” meaning that you are so overwhelmed that you get stuck and cannot move ahead. That isn’t a great place to be. Consider doing the Benjamin Franklin method of making important decisions: create a pros and cons list, and whichever column makes the most sense is your result. Lastly, be sure to take the next logical step, whatever that might be for you. If you still feel too overwhelmed to go all out and really change things up, just keep moving forward in the path you were already following. If and when you make a mistake, it will become evident. But, oh, the joy of knowing that you are in the right place at the right time! You’ve got this. I have faith in you and your abilities.
Shout-Out of the week: Monday was an in-service education day at my school, so I treated myself to lunch at Panda Express. While enjoying my time away from the library, I spotted a gentleman assisting a man in a wheelchair. They also had a hankering for Chinese food, and I watched as the two men enjoyed each other’s company. So, this week, I want to shout-out a big thank-you to everyone who spends time with the elderly, with preschool or special-needs children, and especially with people who face physical and mental challenges. These caregivers are some of the most trusting, fun, loving, and vulnerable people on our planet. It takes a special person to look past what the world sees and shower love onto individuals who need a lot of extra help. Thank you for doing what you do!
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
