The Power of Being Positive

The Soul Detox question of the day is:  "Why is it easier to focus on toxic thoughts than it is to focus our minds on the truth?"  

Over the last few days, I have made a conscious effort to let go of negative thoughts and self doubt.  Earlier in the week, I had planned today's lesson for my students.  It was something that I knew would be difficult for me to teach and difficult for them to learn. I knew it was going to be tough.  So when I got to work this morning, I thought to myself:  "Let's just forget that and do something a little easier today."

I caught myself right then.  I was thinking negatively, and choosing the easy way out (instead of facing what I knew really needed to be done).  Then, I tried to get to the root of my negative thinking:

• Could I teach this material in a way that my students could understand it?  (self doubt)
• It would be easier to give them work that wouldn't be as challenging. (path of least resistance)
• What if they can't do it at all, and the lesson blows up in my face? (path of least resistance)

It was weird that I stopped myself in my tracks and went through this thought process.  Normally, I would have busted out those worksheets and not thought twice about it.  Not today. Not anymore!

I went ahead with the lesson, and lo and behold, this has been one of the *best* days in my teaching career. My students met the challenge head-on, and felt a strong sense of accomplishment when the work was complete.  All of them were running up to my desk to show me their work.  They were proud, and so was I.