Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. We made it to the end of another week of school. Depending on where you live, just a few days left.
Happy Birthday to all of you who turned a year older this past week. And Happy Anniversary to you and your loved one for reaching another milestone year together.
Quote of the Week: “The world is filled with people who are good starters. What we need are more good finishers.” Gary Ryan Blair
Joke of the Week: I never finish anything…I have a black belt in partial arts.
Song of the Week: I know I have used this song before, but it goes well with my theme for this week. In October 1981,“Don’t Stop Believin’” was released by Journey. I know what you’re thinking…this song is either LOVED or HATED by listeners as soon as it begins to play. This song was inspired by the father of Journey’s bandmate, Jonathan Cain. Jonathan was caught up in financial difficulties, and his father encouraged him to just hold on a little longer. That is my wish for you this week–if you are thinking of giving up…”Don’t Stop Believin’!”
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: I am sure by now you have picked up on the theme for this week–finishing strong. This idea is a bit different from the procrastination idea we covered a few weeks ago. This idea is not losing sight of the goal ahead of you. Let me explain. When I worked my first job as a special education teaching assistant, when we got to the end of April, a colleague told me, “Once TCAPS are over and the 8th graders do their high school visits, they check out for the rest of the school year.” I thought this teacher was exaggerating, but no, she was right. I don’t know about seniors in high school, but I’m sure they have the same mindset. But please take a minute to see how this can lead to a negative outcome.
If we “check out” too early in our academic years, we miss learning all the things the teachers must teach students before the end of the school year. The same colleague also said, “Learning doesn’t stop after 3:30.” While you struggle to stay focused on the last few weeks of school, you miss out on the final material you need to know for that particular year. Material you will most likely see again. It’s hard to recall and use that knowledge if you skipped over it because your mind was already on things you planned to do over the summer.
By not “finishing strong,” you cheat yourself out of developing self-discipline to help get you through situations that may not be fun or beneficial. It’s easier to cut up in class, driving your teacher to distraction, than to stay laser-sharp focused and complete all the goals. I’m not saying you must succeed at everything, but it is important to give it your best effort, no matter the outcome. You will feel better knowing you have given it all you have. You got this, now, go get ‘em!
Recipe Tip of the Week: I need to look for more exciting recipes to start the summer off right. But this week, I want to give you a bit of a recipe
advice…When scrolling for recipes or flipping through magazines for them, be sure you have ALL the recipe.
When my husband and I were still newlyweds, I tore out a recipe from a magazine for a dish I thought he would like. I bought all the ingredients and followed the recipe exactly. Then, to my horror, I realized I didn’t have the entire recipe. Suffice to say, it was a disaster, but we tried to eat it anyway. And I learned to ensure I had all of the instructions before making any other new dishes.
Shout Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout out to everyone out there who’s trying to make it to the end…the end of the school year. The end of a project for work. And all other ends of things. It can be enticing to just give up when you get tired but have a little faith and never stop believing in yourself.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent and lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She is a freelance writer and blogger, having 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.