I am… ONE, but…

“I am…” This starter means the possible, the never-ending, the creativity of possibilities.

I have had many students, parents, colleagues, family, and friends ask me what my “I am…” tattoo means… I always respond with…

I am…

• Strong
• Me
• Brave
• Unique
• Creative
• His

… the list goes on and on.

But it wasn’t until a conversation that I had with a colleague that made me realize, I am… ONE.

In this world, we need a sense of control. In this world, we need a spotlight. In this world, we need self-satisfaction. In this world, we need to know that we are making a difference.

But what if…

• Instead of a sense of control… we relinquish control and let others grow.
• Instead of a spotlight on us… we let the spotlight shine on others.
• Instead of self-satisfaction… we sprinkle the feeling of satisfaction to others.
• Instead of me making a difference… we allow others to make a difference.

Do you see the commonality? OTHERS… this should be our goal!

I am… ONE, but there are MANY!

How can we achieve this goal?

1. By Making Connections

Have you ever really thought about the word “Connect?” This world would not exist without connectivity… the sun and the moon, the environment meeting our needs, our relationships. Connecting with others pushes the boundaries of potential and fosters inner growth within each of us. It is difference between seclusion and fellowship.

One of my favorite Steve Jobs quotes is, Creativity is just connecting things.

Connecting is the factory of education.

Connections surround us, but how are we connecting with OTHERS?

2. By Modeling

Modeling is not the act of being bossy. Modeling is not giving the “stink eye.” Modeling is not having the attitude of follow-the-leader. Modeling is being the igniter of flames: sharing knowledge to make others more passionate… Modeling is being transparent: admitting you do not know something, but problem solving to figure it out. Modeling is being open to show reactions to change: change is hard, but necessary as we are always evolving.

Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them. John C. Maxwell

Modeling is the manual of education.

Eyes are always watching… what are the OTHERS seeing?

3. By Being an Inspiration

According to the Merriam Webster Word History, inspire, can be dated back to the 14th century; with its origin being to breath. Next, I visited the Google Ngram Viewer. This following chart was pulled from the Ngram Viewer…

How telling is this comparison line graph? The origin of the word inspire was introduced as a spiritual word when it entered in the english language. Now, the word inspiration has surpassed the its root word… but why? It is my assumption, within books, we as a human race are longing for inspirational readings. We need to be inspired. We need to feel inspired. So, we can be an inspiration to others.

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. Eleanor Roosevelt

Inspiration is the heartbeat of education.

How are you being an inspiration to OTHERS?

 

I am… ONE,

but there are many…

who CARE enough to…

connect, model, and inspire

OTHERS.

Are you taking advantage of the MANY or the ONE?