Powerful Words of Encouragement: You Are Enough

Words of encouragement are powerful for students––and educators, too.

When students are having a hard time, try a “give and take what you need” wall to offer positive quotes, affirmations, and words of encouragement. As adults and educators, what can we offer ourselves when we are the ones in need of encouragement?

Listen to the talk and guided practice… for YOU. >>

“Give and Take What You Need” Wall

Photo credit: Fontashia Johnson

In my middle school and high school classrooms, I had a “give and take what you need” wall for my students. On that wall, I hung bags labeled with various offerings––Courage, Strength, Gratitude, Patience

Anytime my students found themselves in a challenging moment and or in need of a gentle reminder, they could pick out a positive quote, affirmation, or poem from one of the bags. Some would choose to read the words out loud to share with their classmates. And sometimes they just read the words to themselves to really absorb and internalize the message.

Join our Spring Retreat: Saturday, April 20

“It’s hard to carve out time for self-care, but when I do, it’s worth it.” Sometimes we need the momentum and support of our community to recommit and re-engage with our mindfulness practice as a resolute act of self-care. Join us on April 20.

Educators Need Resources, Too

As adults and educators, we can experience many of the same challenges or feelings of overwhelm and unworthiness as our students. We may notice feeling undervalued, that we are not good enough, or that we are not doing enough. Indeed, we need gentle, encouraging reminders, too.

I want you to know that these negative and unhealthy thoughts about ourselves are completely normal. Because guess what––we are human and we are perfectly imperfect.

You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.

––Maya Angelo

There’s a saying about the worth of a $20 bill. Even as it passes through everyone’s hands, and gets crumpled up, stomped on, and fades in someone’s laundry––at the end of that journey, its value has not changed.

I’m not sure where you are on your life journey––whether it’s your personal practice journey at home, or it’s your journey as an educator to accomplish great things with your students. Wherever you are, I invite you to offer yourself some grace and some flexibility, as your value has not changed. Even as the challenges and seasons and years change, your value does not. You are enough.

You Are Enough.

Listen to the Full Talk and Guided Practice (24 min)

Listen to “Community Practice: You. Are. Enough.” on Spreaker.

When you find yourself in that challenging place, as our students sometimes do, needing a bit of encouragement and affirmation, I invite you to try this practice––it can be your own personal “give and take what you need” wall.

This is a practice of offering ourselves love and positive affirmations. Speaking positively to ourselves and acknowledging and accepting that we are enough can motivate us, shift our emotions, and even challenge us when we need it.

I invite you to be intentional about loving yourself each and every day, and to resource yourself each and every day. Mindful Schools appreciates you. Thank you so much for practicing with us.

Educators, Explore Mindfulness in our 101 Course

Next Course:

In 101: Mindfulness Foundations, learn practices that can resource you during the school day and daily life, with trauma-sensitive approaches for navigating emotons, working with thoughts and biases, and cultivating compassion and joy. Educators earn credits.

Bring Mindfulness to Your Classroom

Next Course:

In 201: Mindfulness in the Classroom, learn trauma-sensitive strategies to nurture social and emotional well-being in your classroom. Access the Mindful Schools K-12 Curriculum and Teaching Kit. Educators earn credits.

UPCOMING WORKSHOP:

Mindful Games for your Classroom

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 4pm ET

Join us for this dynamic 90-minute training to experience mindfulness through play to evoke curiosity, spark creativity, foster engagement, and support learning.

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