Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Well, we have made it to Easter Break, with some of us enjoying a four-day weekend from school. The downside is that next week begins TCAP testing, so I hope you’ll have the chance to do something outdoors, visit with family, and have a bit of time to do nothing. Doing nothing is my favorite thing to do—unless I’m writing a book, of course.
Quote of the week: “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” –Leo Tolstoy
Movie(s)of the week: Since it’s Easter weekend, I want to recommend one of our favorite Charlie Brown cartoons: It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown. This episode follows Linus believing that the Easter Beagle will leave colored eggs and Peppermint Patty trying to demonstrate the concept of coloring eggs to Marcie…unsuccessfully. The eggs get scrambled, fried, and made into egg soup. It’s a light-hearted look at the April holiday.
Joke of the week: How does the Easter Bunny keep his fur looking so nice? He uses Hare spray.
Nugget of Wisdom for the week: First, I would like to wish you a Happy Easter. Second, I want to emphasize the idea that Spring is a time to celebrate renewal, which could be applied to almost anything. I know we have discussed recognizing limitations and making course corrections after realizing mistakes. I want to encourage you also to apply the concept of breaking away from habits that can be restrictive and potentially unhealthy. One of my biggest vices is Diet Mtn Dew. I can drink it almost continuously. I am okay until I become overcaffeinated and start thinking, “Am I having a panic attack?” or “Why does my heart feel like it will pound out of my chest?” The soft drink itself isn’t necessarily bad for me, but the amount I consume is excessive. For my husband, it’s potato chips. He can open a bag and eat half of it before he knows what he’s done. While we are all human, seeking things that make us feel better, we need to do things in moderation. Moderation can also cover things not related to food. Some people are health fanatics, always working out. Sometimes a person can work out too much and cause physical harm to their bodies. If you have things in your life that you want to change, focus on only one at a time. If you try to change too many things at once, any failure to meet the desired outcome will cause frustration. Tackle changes one step at a time. Then, when you have successfully reached a goal, you can move on to change the next thing. You’ve got this…I believe in you.
Have a great week. Remember, you are most awesome and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has 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.
