Читать книгу Start With the Heart - Michelle L. Trujillo - Страница 28

It wasn’t just my body that moved fast. My mind, too, was on the go. My husband used an analogy once that fit me to a t. He said, “Babe, you have too many tabs open.” Confused, and likely a bit defensive, I asked what he meant by that. He explained, “Your mind is like a computer with about 20 tabs open at the same time and you keep going back and forth between the tabs. You need to shut it down . . . close your tabs.” It was like a lightbulb turned on for me. He was absolutely right! In fact, now, when he can tell that my mind is racing with ideas or things to be done, he will say, “Close your tabs!” It has become an endearing joke, but there is a seriousness about it that I need to take to heart. And although at my husband’s urging, I attempted to close my tabs every once in a while, it wasn’t until I got so sick, and didn’t have the energy to move so fast, that I took time to appreciate the peace that I found in being still. I realized then that it is wonderful that I am filled with energy and enthusiasm, especially as a high school principal. Yet if I don’t take time to actually stop long enough to sincerely acknowledge a student, or a colleague, by looking him or her in the eye, with interest and intentional compassion, then my enthusiasm will have no meaning.

So, when you ask someone at school, “How are you?” be sure you stop to listen for the answer. In doing so, you will authentically connect. The same is true of relationships with fellow staff members, family members, colleagues, friends, and neighbors. Taking time to stop, look, ask, and listen will lead to renewed relationships based on sincerity and intention. By focusing diligently on these four simple words, you can help create a school community and a community in your world outside of work, in which all people feel a sense of belonging based on genuine compassion and interest. Don’t expect these four keys to become automatic. Instead, use them as often as you can and be mindful in as many interactions throughout the day as possible. You will begin to see the positive difference in yourself, as well as in those around you. There will be times when you forget and say only, “Hi, how are you?” and then move on without waiting for a response. When you realize what you’ve done, telling yourself later, “Oops, I didn’t stop to listen” or “I had too many tabs open,” consider it a step in the learning process. Once you become aware that you’re not stopping to listen, but want to, it will be easier the next time to take the action.