It has been an interesting and gratifying week.
I have experienced a number of enlightening moments where it has resounded my belief that actions do speak louder than the verbal option.
It never ceases to amaze me how many of those in our society can influence the larger group by simply uttering the verbatim and then trusting the actions will happen. More often than not there is confusion, lack of direction and ultimately very little real achievement.
I see that those whose light the fuse, throw the dynamite stick and then walk over to see the impact are the ones that truly make the difference.
This is so true in all we do in our every day lives.
Yes we can talk up our intentions and we can even pay the dues to be involved - but the real gem of success is taking the pain to get the gain! (My recent gym sessions are proving this to be true)
I have been so guilty of procrastination over the decades- and upon reflection shudder at the BS I convinced myself of and that this was the best intention.
If I look back deeply into when I really achieved then I would say that discipline, commitment, honesty with myself and belief in possibility of what could be- were the key ingredients- to making it happen.
This is the same with kids as well.
Just think.... if every kid at ten years old had these traits and carried them on until they were fifty... WOW !
Yep they would be the real winners in life.
Ok - so I am getting a bit deep but I felt I needed to put my fingers to keyboard so I could kick myself in the butt and remind myself of the values I have deep in my soul and draw upon them.
Maybe by reminding myself of these learning values I will be a better person for others.
Thats what really matters in life- please believe me !
Just take a lesson from another beached whale. Ha ha!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The half way mark!
No matter if it is a game or a set deadline in time. The half way mark always brings out the true resilience of the players concerned. Some tend to fold into... oh wo is me emotion ! Others say - the score is only 0-0 so lets pick up from here. When you throw all your energy into the first half it can be exhausting, especially if you need to prove your street cred.
But the secret is to take a breath, reflect and push for positive ( yep you educators out there let's wear that Yellow Hat)
Your personal energy and positive attitude of mind is so important when the chips are down.
If you believe in your ability to win- win and not be sidelined by the negatives ( oh we have so many black hat people in this world!) Why is this???
Be positive and to a point even if overly optimistic- then you will come out with personal success and gratification.
When I have not lived by this rule of thumb - I have blown it!
On the other hand when I have pushed to be positive, believed in myself and done the hard yards... guess what? The jackpot spins!
You may say that is a gambler's attitude.
Life is a gamble so the way we play the cards is how we win the game.
Back to the half way line.
We feel exhausted - maybe losing the point of what or where we are at. Step over the line and go for the goalpost. Guess what you will probably get to your goal and the celebration will be that more satisfying. Just ask any AB (All Black) - they live by this mark in the sand.
No pressure guys - bring it on!
If you don't believe me watch the next game of rugby and see how the guys hug these days,
Being an old codger I am still coming to grips with is but can see the value!
But the secret is to take a breath, reflect and push for positive ( yep you educators out there let's wear that Yellow Hat)
Your personal energy and positive attitude of mind is so important when the chips are down.
If you believe in your ability to win- win and not be sidelined by the negatives ( oh we have so many black hat people in this world!) Why is this???
Be positive and to a point even if overly optimistic- then you will come out with personal success and gratification.
When I have not lived by this rule of thumb - I have blown it!
On the other hand when I have pushed to be positive, believed in myself and done the hard yards... guess what? The jackpot spins!
You may say that is a gambler's attitude.
Life is a gamble so the way we play the cards is how we win the game.
Back to the half way line.
We feel exhausted - maybe losing the point of what or where we are at. Step over the line and go for the goalpost. Guess what you will probably get to your goal and the celebration will be that more satisfying. Just ask any AB (All Black) - they live by this mark in the sand.
No pressure guys - bring it on!
If you don't believe me watch the next game of rugby and see how the guys hug these days,
Being an old codger I am still coming to grips with is but can see the value!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
How good can it get?
Had a great day with the kids in my class today. They were focussed in their learning and enthusiastic in their engagement and responses. Truthfully, I would say not every day is like this and I challenge myself - why this is the case?
Some days I have been brilliantly planned (so I thought) -in my mind, and at times, in written format, but the day that eventuated was crap. Other days I have thrown aside the planning and gone with with the gut feeling- and it has been magic. But that is more pure luck than good judgement.
In deep reflection I think it is about the 'karma'.
If you feel connected on the day then all around you is connected. Good planning and resource helps this to happen to a certain extent but it is not guaranteed. This is true in aspects of coaching and learning leadership I guess?
Then, there is the " magic moment" factor.
When something arises that you can hook into and make a learning gem that will stay with those involved for a very long time, perhaps forever.
I have had ex students, team members and teachers I have been involved with point out to me -
" Fletch I remember when we did this.'.... and this has been several decades later. A powerful upper for any learning coach.
I ramble ..but the point I am trying to grasp is that learning cannot always been structured, planned or evolved from a plan or or objective. It certainly cannot be truely gauged from assessment or achievement outcome.
Real life learning comes from believing in yourself, positive relationship experience and how we can adjust our thinking to meet the challenges ahead.
This cannot be fully coached or taught - it comes from taking the risks, sharing ideas and making sure the magic moments are well imbedded in our souls.
If you think I am on the wrong tangent - work this one out......
Yes we will make mis-takes - but therein lies the learning experience.
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the best Uni available - the 'University of Life'. You never stop learning.
Thing is you have to stay focussed on what the best lessons are!
Being involved in others learning and caring for their well being is a real blessing for the heart and mind.
How good can it get?!
Some days I have been brilliantly planned (so I thought) -in my mind, and at times, in written format, but the day that eventuated was crap. Other days I have thrown aside the planning and gone with with the gut feeling- and it has been magic. But that is more pure luck than good judgement.
In deep reflection I think it is about the 'karma'.
If you feel connected on the day then all around you is connected. Good planning and resource helps this to happen to a certain extent but it is not guaranteed. This is true in aspects of coaching and learning leadership I guess?
Then, there is the " magic moment" factor.
When something arises that you can hook into and make a learning gem that will stay with those involved for a very long time, perhaps forever.
I have had ex students, team members and teachers I have been involved with point out to me -
" Fletch I remember when we did this.'.... and this has been several decades later. A powerful upper for any learning coach.
I ramble ..but the point I am trying to grasp is that learning cannot always been structured, planned or evolved from a plan or or objective. It certainly cannot be truely gauged from assessment or achievement outcome.
Real life learning comes from believing in yourself, positive relationship experience and how we can adjust our thinking to meet the challenges ahead.
This cannot be fully coached or taught - it comes from taking the risks, sharing ideas and making sure the magic moments are well imbedded in our souls.
If you think I am on the wrong tangent - work this one out......
Yes we will make mis-takes - but therein lies the learning experience.
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the best Uni available - the 'University of Life'. You never stop learning.
Thing is you have to stay focussed on what the best lessons are!
Being involved in others learning and caring for their well being is a real blessing for the heart and mind.
How good can it get?!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Eye on the ball?
Lately I have had the opportunity to play golf regularly. It is a very interesting game - in fact like no other sport I have ever been involved in apart from surfing. Why?
Because no matter what skill factor you may have you are always pitting yourself against the mind.
It is also a sport in which you alone are responsible for the calls you make. So if you stuff up then you only have yourself to blame.
I guess life is a bit like this. We can be part of a team or community but in the end your performance is really about you. It is so easy when in a team, community or nation we can blame others.
I guess that's what the Ch Ch earthquake also retiterates. Yes bad stuff happens but how do we personally react to this? How we react I guess measures our quality as a performer.
I have found with golf if I can blank out the issue of my world around me & focus on the task ahead. I score well.
If I start thinking about other issues my game falls apart.
Golf is also a game when you can be up and buzzing one hole but in despair the next. Life is like that. It's how we handle it that is the key.
I listened to the Mayor of Ch Ch and our very astute PM today talking the positive. Ok when all around you is crap it is easy to bypass this as political ya ya . But in reality if we appraoch life in a positive way somehow the pathway does not seem to be so full of brambles.
I guess where my thinking is coming from is that let's look on the bright side because when we do this the challenges always seem to be easier to cope with.
Keep your eye on the ball that matters!
Because no matter what skill factor you may have you are always pitting yourself against the mind.
It is also a sport in which you alone are responsible for the calls you make. So if you stuff up then you only have yourself to blame.
I guess life is a bit like this. We can be part of a team or community but in the end your performance is really about you. It is so easy when in a team, community or nation we can blame others.
I guess that's what the Ch Ch earthquake also retiterates. Yes bad stuff happens but how do we personally react to this? How we react I guess measures our quality as a performer.
I have found with golf if I can blank out the issue of my world around me & focus on the task ahead. I score well.
If I start thinking about other issues my game falls apart.
Golf is also a game when you can be up and buzzing one hole but in despair the next. Life is like that. It's how we handle it that is the key.
I listened to the Mayor of Ch Ch and our very astute PM today talking the positive. Ok when all around you is crap it is easy to bypass this as political ya ya . But in reality if we appraoch life in a positive way somehow the pathway does not seem to be so full of brambles.
I guess where my thinking is coming from is that let's look on the bright side because when we do this the challenges always seem to be easier to cope with.
Keep your eye on the ball that matters!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tribute to to the Cantabs
I have this very poignant poem to share with you.
It was composed by my talented daughter Kelly who lives in Cheviot but was born & bred in Christchurch.
Thank you Kelly for so elogantly voicing the thoughts we all have.
The great plains that surround you have swallowed you in grief
There is no running from this pain, no temporary relief.
The scorn of mother nature, just like Garys’ poem said
Has left you lost and broken, left your love and kinsmen dead.
The Christian steeple fallen, the men no longer pray,
The one eyed red and blacks are lost, yet your courage makes you stay.
The history in bricks and mortar tumbled to the ground,
Your loved ones lie beneath them, as you beseech but any sound.
And here I sit and watch you, my home, the town I know,
How can I be near you, what should I do and how.
My helplessness consumes me I want to hold your hand
Cradle baby Jayden and rejoice with wine for Anne.
How can I console you the people of my youth,
I wish that I could house you all and hide you from the truth.
Put back the bricks and mortar, save you, set you free
Let the book I read in standard three lie back in History
But I am not immortal, I cannot turn back time
There is no magic running through, these weathered hands of mine
But let me tell you what I know, re-tell you what I see
I see the best and worst of it, compassion, and humanity
I see the people fighting for love for what is theirs
Kinsman bond together battling more than fears
Nations come to help you, to lend a helping hand
The world is at your doorstep, and with you they shall stand
So though it is of little light through the tunnel that you walk
And I have only words for you, of the pain I cannot talk
Please know that we are here for you, we’ll be there in the wake
The red and black within your hearts was never hers to take.
By K.J Ensor,Cheviot,NZ
Worth a think about ?
It was composed by my talented daughter Kelly who lives in Cheviot but was born & bred in Christchurch.
Thank you Kelly for so elogantly voicing the thoughts we all have.
Christchurch – 22.02.11
The great plains that surround you have swallowed you in grief
There is no running from this pain, no temporary relief.
The scorn of mother nature, just like Garys’ poem said
Has left you lost and broken, left your love and kinsmen dead.
The Christian steeple fallen, the men no longer pray,
The one eyed red and blacks are lost, yet your courage makes you stay.
The history in bricks and mortar tumbled to the ground,
Your loved ones lie beneath them, as you beseech but any sound.
And here I sit and watch you, my home, the town I know,
How can I be near you, what should I do and how.
My helplessness consumes me I want to hold your hand
Cradle baby Jayden and rejoice with wine for Anne.
How can I console you the people of my youth,
I wish that I could house you all and hide you from the truth.
Put back the bricks and mortar, save you, set you free
Let the book I read in standard three lie back in History
But I am not immortal, I cannot turn back time
There is no magic running through, these weathered hands of mine
But let me tell you what I know, re-tell you what I see
I see the best and worst of it, compassion, and humanity
I see the people fighting for love for what is theirs
Kinsman bond together battling more than fears
Nations come to help you, to lend a helping hand
The world is at your doorstep, and with you they shall stand
So though it is of little light through the tunnel that you walk
And I have only words for you, of the pain I cannot talk
Please know that we are here for you, we’ll be there in the wake
The red and black within your hearts was never hers to take.
By K.J Ensor,Cheviot,NZ
Worth a think about ?
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Enlightment?
Ok.. so it has been a pretty traumatic week. Having he challenge of working through the questions of life when someone so close may not be with you in the future certainly rocks your boat.
I have made a few major mis-takes & consequent decsions during the past few months but somehow fate has shown these were the best ones for the future.
I am so glad I was here for my close ones when the rubber hit the road.
I am very fortunate to have a great whanau of friends and acquaintences who certainly showed their worth when it mattered.
I will never forget you wonderful people ever.
The past few days have also nailed me to my conviction in life in what really matters.
To have a wonderful partner in future dreams and a family of character, real love and support is what really means success in life. I have the jackpot in this respect.
So back to my decision to be a 'real' teacher once again - well I have certainly discovered my true worth again. Yes, some will say - oh where is this guy at ? [esp one Westie who calls it as he sees it!]
But in reality it has been a born again experience. I love being with kids on a full on day basis and enjoying their bubbly enthusiasm to learn and grow. In turn this is has been the fountain of youth for me. I have regained true purpose and satisfaction in what I want to achieve.
So hence the "smitzhy" video below ( I dedicate this to all the hard nuts who are not believers in the power of learnig through kids}
Kia Kaha & keep smiling for our fledglings in learning!
I have made a few major mis-takes & consequent decsions during the past few months but somehow fate has shown these were the best ones for the future.
I am so glad I was here for my close ones when the rubber hit the road.
I am very fortunate to have a great whanau of friends and acquaintences who certainly showed their worth when it mattered.
I will never forget you wonderful people ever.
The past few days have also nailed me to my conviction in life in what really matters.
To have a wonderful partner in future dreams and a family of character, real love and support is what really means success in life. I have the jackpot in this respect.
So back to my decision to be a 'real' teacher once again - well I have certainly discovered my true worth again. Yes, some will say - oh where is this guy at ? [esp one Westie who calls it as he sees it!]
But in reality it has been a born again experience. I love being with kids on a full on day basis and enjoying their bubbly enthusiasm to learn and grow. In turn this is has been the fountain of youth for me. I have regained true purpose and satisfaction in what I want to achieve.
So hence the "smitzhy" video below ( I dedicate this to all the hard nuts who are not believers in the power of learnig through kids}
Kia Kaha & keep smiling for our fledglings in learning!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
On a new wave
So here it begins - a new phase in my life. I have made a deliberate decision to go back to my core values in life & aspirations. I am so excited about having the opportunity to be a real teacher again( Thnx JP u r the man!)
We met as a team today - what an awesome bunch of educators. Now I guess I have to show the glow and prove I can teach the kids of today.
I have learnt so much during the past few years - many thanks to the KFS team and my close colleagues at MBS.(esp Tash)
I am determined to " Be the difference" @ GHS and hopefully motivate those I am responsible for to go on and do the same.
It is so refreshing to be back with motivated educators who care about what is best for the kids.
I had hoped in my time as a Principal to make a mark, in this respect. Unfortunately politics, professional egos and self interested adults got in the way.
Now I can concentrate on where you can really have a positive influence.
I leave you with this:
This is where I believe I can really "Be the difference.
We met as a team today - what an awesome bunch of educators. Now I guess I have to show the glow and prove I can teach the kids of today.
I have learnt so much during the past few years - many thanks to the KFS team and my close colleagues at MBS.(esp Tash)
I am determined to " Be the difference" @ GHS and hopefully motivate those I am responsible for to go on and do the same.
It is so refreshing to be back with motivated educators who care about what is best for the kids.
I had hoped in my time as a Principal to make a mark, in this respect. Unfortunately politics, professional egos and self interested adults got in the way.
Now I can concentrate on where you can really have a positive influence.
I leave you with this:
This is where I believe I can really "Be the difference.
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