Читать книгу Start With the Heart - Michelle L. Trujillo - Страница 24

What does it look like to be filled with love and live it out? Well, I have to state the obvious: It must start within. If we do not love and care for ourselves, how can we possibly love and care for others? Please take a moment to think about how you choose to show yourself love. Do you take care of yourself? Do you honor yourself enough to carve out time to slow down, relax, and breathe? Do you exercise or meditate? Do you eat well? Do you surround yourself with people who make you better just by being in their presence? Do you think positively of yourself? Do you laugh enough? Do you allow yourself to cry when hurting? These are a few ways to show ourselves love. What do you do? Please jot down your thoughts in this regard (see Figure 2.1).

Figure 2.1

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Copyright © 2019 by Corwin. All rights reserved. Reprinted from Start With the Heart: Igniting Hope in Schools Through Social and Emotional Learning by Michelle L. Trujillo. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, www.corwin.com. Reproduction authorized for educational use by educators, local school sites, and/or noncommercial or nonprofit entities that have purchased the book.

Self-reflection can be challenging, yet it is something that we often ask our students to do, so it is important that we practice it ourselves. More than that, though, when we reflect, we can learn from ourselves and choose to grow. For example, if you had difficulty identifying how you show love for yourself, then you might do well to make some changes in your life. Take time to talk to a friend or family member to get an objective opinion of how you might develop this awareness. At the same time, if ideas flowed easily for you, then you are in a fantastic place to begin to sincerely show others love. In fact, this might come naturally. We show sincere love by practicing respect, offering kindness, and granting forgiveness. We also show love by having high expectations, as well as by providing boundaries, because in doing so we demonstrate that we believe in the ability of others to meet their potential and that, within our care, they will be safe. Finally, although it may seem obvious, once we sincerely and consistently show love, we can begin to use the word love. Yes, even in the world of education!