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It's easy to conflate being the driver of your bus with being the one who makes the rules of the road. It's easy to feel defeated when you don't have control over the road, but it's important to remember that you are still in control with how your bus reacts to the roadblocks and restrictions on the road. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves that we are still in control of ourselves and our reactions, even when everything else seems to be outside of our control or purview.

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To all,
I think the most important factor in education is to be a Super Hero. Try to embrace everything that comes at you with  strength, valor, courage and disposition. Remember that sometimes no one will say thank you and even sometimes you will be judged by what you do according to others perception.

My parents always insisted that we should be positive no matter what and our Family Bible Verse says it all

Philippians 4:8-9New International Version (NIV)

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

In Christ

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After reading chapter 7, I realized that there was a chunk of my life was spent like George where it was decided for me by the lives and actions of others around me husband, children, career, college, mother, grandmother, uncle, friends, church). Life gets to be a routine and its like your life and decisions are not your own, but others. You wake up day after day with no urgency, no direction. You can become depressed and not really be aware that you are. Wow!

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After reading many of your responses, it seems that we all realize that we are our own driver, that we must choose to be positive and take responsibility for our actions, and that there is opportunity in a crisis.  As educators, I believe that these are key concepts to bring into the classroom with us everyday. Now,  the challenge is to pass these concepts and ideals to our students in order to prepare them for the future too.

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These chapters, especially Chapter 7, really "pierced" my soul and forced me to take a hard look at myself. I am in control of what I want and if I have lost sight of that, I can re-direct my path. It is never too late.

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gy is real and I believe that it can be positive or negative. I also believe that we should revisit our visions and reroute our bus and as the driver of my bus I can do create new visions. 

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I agree that energy is real and I believe that it can be positive or negative. I also believe that we should revisit our visions and reroute our bus and as the driver of my bus I can do create new visions.

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Take Away
I believe in having vision and direction for my life, and it takes strength and energy to accomplish those things.

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I agree that all stakeholders are vital as we follow the vision to move forward.

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As the driver of my bus I am committed and focused with positive energy. As the driver I believe that my task is to empower and build others up. I believe that if I can help someone on this journey then my living is not in vain.Take care of yourself as you take responsibility to move forward!!!!

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Page29, "A smile changes the way you feel, the way you think, and how you interact with others"...
Page 34, "think about the people who increase your energy and those who drain you"...
I'm always good for a smile. With students and staff everyday, I try to be positive and friendl. For the most part most the colleagues that I  come into contact with respond in kind. So I hope I would be one of those people that gives energy instead of drains energy. I love my job and I enjoy sharing my passion for art and all things beautiful.

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J. Higgins response to Carpenter & Paden

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J. Higgins response to Carpenter & Paden

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The concept of your crisis becoming your opportunity struck a cord with me, too.  I've always said that I have to be hit over the head with a 2x4 before I learn something or make a change.  How much simpler my life would have been if I would have learned from other people's examples or from my own mistakes the first time around!  But I have to say that after being hit in the head with the 2x4, most of the time my crises have become great opportunities and I have taken advantage of most of them to make significant, positive change.

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What struck me was the concept of "Energy of thought."  I accepted the other forms of energy discussed in chapter 8 without question, but when it came to "thought" it gave me pause. It is very true that our thoughts have energy. I have spent a great deal of my life teaching myself how to think my way through problems, emotional upsets, and turmoil, so it only makes sense that my thoughts have energy. I just don't think I've ever thought of it like that before. So I guess training ourselves to think (and "self talk") positively is not a waste of time/energy. Quite the contrary!

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I'm a visual person - this says it all.

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Responding to Jeff Roberts... "life is a big to-do list"... it does feel that way so much of the time!  But what can you cut out?  How do you prioritize when everything is  a priority and everything on the too-much-to-do list needs to be done... already?  That's my struggle right now.  And Kim Belk, thank you for your kind words.  So needed that at the very moment I read it.

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We get to choose!!!  That is the beauty of life.  It is my choice!  I get to chart my own path.

Jeff Roberts

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Many times we get caught up in the day to day grind of life.  We think that our life is a big "To-Do" list.  It is important to have a vision to work towards.  Having a "Why".  If you get bogged down in your day to day activities, you lose your purpose for living.

Jeff Roberts

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You are right and it is our responsibility to look for the best way to get and keep positive energy in us to share with others. I think that it is important to be at peace to attract positive energy. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated because what you do to others you do to yourself. Drop the Resentment Within and stay as the presence Instead of the ego.
Deisy Nicholson

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I agree that we control our response in situations. Our response impacts not only us, but those around us. It is our energy that fuels the classroom and establishes the classroom environment. - P. Baker

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Challenges are part of life and how we rise to meet those challenges determines where we will go. Both individually and as a team we face obstacles everyday, but staying positive keeps the bus rolling.

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Deisy Nicholson       I always start my daily journey, because we have a journey every day, with a wonderful copilot called God. He leads me to drive my own bus, with a positive energy and great passengers like: Mr. and Mrs. Desire, Mr. and Mrs. Vision and Mr. and Mrs. Focus to go in the right direction.I learned that God needs to be in the center of my heart for me to be happy and I am able to make happy my brotherhood. Growing up with this belief, I know how to have positive energy all the time since I get up until I go to bed. Positive energy permits your desire and focus in whatever you want and wherever you want to go. This will encourage others to follow you to get better vision of life and the world. I think as Douglas Bottorff in one of his articles titled “Create the life you want to live with Purpose”. He says: "From the spiritual point of view, the quality of life has to do less with what happens to us and more with the way we experience the event, because if we analyze deeply, you can have a positive experience in the middle of a seemingly negative event. You can find the strength and courage that you did not know you had. You can find peace amid the fury of the storm. You can find the strength to replace fear.”

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Deisy Nicholson       I always start my daily journey, because we have a journey every day, with a wonderful copilot called God. He leads me to drive my own bus, with a positive energy and great passengers like: Mr. and Mrs. Desire, Mr. and Mrs. Vision and Mr. and Mrs. Focus to go in the right direction.I learned that God needs to be in the center of my heart for me to be happy and I am able to make happy my brotherhood. Growing up with this belief, I know how to have positive energy all the time since I get up until I go to bed. Positive energy permits your desire and focus in whatever you want and wherever you want to go. This will encourage others to follow you to get better vision of life and the world. I think as Douglas Bottorff in one of his articles titled “Create the life you want to live with Purpose”. He says: "From the spiritual point of view, the quality of life has to do less with what happens to us and more with the way we experience the event, because if we analyze deeply, you can have a positive experience in the middle of a seemingly negative event. You can find the strength and courage that you did not know you had. You can find peace amid the fury of the storm. You can find the strength to replace fear.”

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Deisy Nicholson

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The fact that we have to be positive to build a stronger team means a lot. If we know someone who always complains, then we will never want to be with or work with that person which will make the team a lot less effective and less cohesive. I see that we need to be positive just so the team work will make the dream work

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One thing that I got was that I control what happens with situations. I may not be in control of all of it, but I am in control of how I respond to it. That is a takeaway that I can use every day in my life. It really shows I am the driver of my bus.

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I am responding to Kat Bulla's Priorities...she hit me right on the nose, we are so busy with our lives and what is going on that sometimes we don't stop and think about "me"! I myself have my husband to take care of, my students to take care of, and just had a loss in my life. This past week I know we had time off but I wished that it was summer break because I need that vacation. We need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of everyone else. Kat take care of you, we all love you!

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I am responding to C Carpenter's post...We all I think have a "better you" inside us that can create a "better outcome" to whatever the situation is.

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You are the driver of your bus and no one can drive it like you. What is meant for you will never be meant for anyone else. We are all unique in our own regard and we are the only one that can make that certain imprint on life.

To see it is to want it. Therefore, a goal towards a vision is necessary. Due to life mishaps, we tend to forget about our dreams and our dreams become distant memories. However, we must always try and remember that we are important and that we do matter.

Our energy brings change to our own mindset. Positive energy pumps us all up. Our positive energy gives way to others belief in us and what our dreams may be. Negative energy lends others to frown upon whatever may be our goals in life, because negative decreases our value. Positive energy circulates, adds to and uplifts. As George became more positive, others on the bus energized him even more, which allowed for George's mind to become flexible to not only his dreams, but his own desires to make a change.

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I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was stuck on a white picket fence and raising children. Life is never what you expect it to be. I found myself, working to raise my children, always forgetting that I too, had dreams and desires even as a mother. It is always important to realize that though others need you, you as an individual need. Therefore, as you are feeding others, find what is most important in what you may do for others and find joy in it as well. As I see Joy did. As Joy helped others, she also in turn, helped herself.

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C Carpenter I am responding to N Kurtz , if you want to see change you need to be that change.

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C Carpenter I am responding to N Kurtz , if you want to see change you need to be that change.

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It is true that the simplest lessons in life can be the most profound and meaningful, although at the time we may not realize it.The closer you get to the truth , the simpler and more powerful the lessons become. Now that is food for thought.

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I was intrigued by the comment at the end of chapter 9 that in every crisis there is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser. You must reach inside yourself and discover a better you and you will have a better outcome.

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One of the takeaways from chapters 7 through 9 for me was the realization that many of the changes he sought were within him to change. It all started with him. Just as Kim Belk said below, we steer our on bus. Thus, we are in charge of the direction our day goes, our week goes, and our life goes. It is easy to get swept away by the wave of constant change and unexpected events that occur during the school day, but it is important to note that there are buoys we can attach to, we just have to ask.

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I loved where it said "You are the driver of your bus and it is your trip! You can still get directions or advice along the way."
This is a great way to look at what we do. Sometimes we forget that we are in charge of what we do and how things turn out. We also forget that it's okay to ask questions and for help. I forget to ask for help a lot. I myself have been through so much this year and I appreciate my family here at THS telling me how much they love me and the help they have offered without me asking. One Team One Goal THS! <3

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Mrs. Kinard I love the quote you've included from Dave Burgess, because it's by adding those things that we love to our life and finding space for them that we're able to deal with everything else that may come our way. It's not easy to stay positive and focused in life, it actually takes more energy than giving up and why it often hard for people to maintain. We're here not only for our students, but each other and by keeping that in the forefront and adding things to our life that helps remind us of why we're here and helps add to our energy tank, we'll be able to keep striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others  EVERY DAY!
B.Rob-Laws

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I am the driver of my own bus. Whether I have a good day, whether I am productive, whether I smile, or whether I choose a positive outlook are all my choices. Every journey begins with a desire to be more. The power/ability to make it happens comes second. We win the game first in our mind. #ChooseGreatness

Kinard

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Mrs. Kinard included this quote from Dave Burgess in the Game Plan:
"The Danger of Never Being Done:  Subtract one thing from your calendar.  Fill it with something you love.  Or Nothing..."
As we enter the often stressed-filled seasons of fall and winter holidays, be mindful that our students are overly stressed during this season, too.  Many have jobs and sports after school.  Others babysit after school while parents work.  Some will be facing holidays without money, enough food or presents that our families may take for granted.  Let's not be so overwhelmed with "never being done" with what is still on the pacing guide that we overlook what's going on in their spirits and souls.  How can we work positive thoughts and positive thinking into our lesson plans so that we can fuel THEIR buses in addition to our own?  I am reminded this morning that George Washington called for a national day of thanksgiving at the end of the Revolution.  Maybe that can become an APK that asks what could he possibly have had to be thankful for after seven years of war and twenty years of conflict?  And maybe that can be relevant to finding something to be thankful for even if life is tough in 2017.
Kat

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Responding to "Sharing our vision" RMerkel

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Responding to "Sharing our vision" RMerkel

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You hit the nail on the head ... not only is sharing our vision with our staff teammates important, I would also argue that sharing our vision with our students and community is equally, if not more important. At THS, we are a family; and our family consists of our staff, students, and community.

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We drive our own bus ... We own our behavior, attitude, and actions. When we drive our own bus, our behavior positively influences our teammates and builds a stronger team.  "A man (woman) with vision has a certain look in his (her) eye and walk in his (her) step).  He (She) walks like he (she) knows where he (she) is going and why he (she) is going there ..." (p.29)
"Every crisis offers and opportunity to grow stronger and wiser ..." (p.40)  As my Dad always told me "That which does not kill you, makes me stronger".

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The ancient Hebrew proverb states "Where there is no vision the people will perish". It had been many years since George had a strong and positive vision for his personal and professional life.  He has been operating in "survival" mode for much too long and started to believe that things would not get any better.  This is a very similar mindset and narrative that many of our students believe.  It is our job as leaders to share and implement a positive vision for our classrooms and for each each of our students.

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K. Bulla     Commenting on Paden and Robinson...

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K. Bulla     Commenting on Paden and Robinson...

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"find ourselves...merely existing"   "The key is not to even let yourself get to that point."
I have always had a strong sense of duty and a desire for perfectionism; I have never been good at saying no to anyone.  And now, I am struggling with the effects of pushing myself too hard for too long, and I have been sick for a long time.  Listen to the old lady, y'all!  Get your priorities straight.  Set small, achievable goals.  Know when to say no.  Don't flatten your own tire or run your own bus out of gas.
Kat Bulla

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#1. "You can take the wheel and choose to create your life, one thought, one belief, one action, one choice at a time. It's your bus and you're the driver and you choose where you are going and the kind of ride it's going to be." This really spoke to me because so many times when we find ourselves overwhelmed, we feel the urge to fix everything all at once with a one-size-fits-all solution and that solution simply doesn't exist. We have to break down our life and figure out what small choices we can make to improve our small problems and when the small problems are solved, we are that much closer to solving to the bigger ones. YOU are the one behind the wheel and YOU are the one who has the final say about where you are going and how you are going to get there. YOU are the one who controls who gets on the bus with you and YOU are the one who sets the attitude for your life.

#2. "Unfortunately, it takes a crisis for so many of us to change." Something I say to my friends, family, and even my students is "with great realization comes great tragedy." It's just a saying that has always been stuck in my head. It typically takes something terrible for us to realize that something needs to change. In George's case, his job and marriage are on the line. Sometimes we don't realize that something needs to be done until it is too late. The key is to not even let yourself get to that point. Check your tank every single day and make sure you aren't running on E because once you run out of gas, you have no idea where the nearest gas station is or how long it will take you to get there. Make small, positive changes every day and over time, this will make a big difference!

@Ms. Bulla - Love the last sentence of your "priorities" post..."you are no good to anyone if you lose yourself." This is so true and there are people in our lives who need our help on a daily basis but if we aren't helping ourselves first then we are going to be useless to others. Great point!

@ Mrs. Robinson-Laws - You're right about energy being a choice. YOU are in control of your life and YOU are the one who determines if it's going to be a good day or a bad day, a good life or a bad life.

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These chapters talk about knowing your vision; knowing where you want to go. I get so bogged down with all I need to do, and being so far behind in what should be done, and trying to keep going when I am so tired all the time -- and I have to believe that I am not the only one who feels this way. It's like everything needed to be done yesterday, if not last week or last month.  Sometimes I think we need to pull away from the "need to-s" and refocus on what is really the priority.  Otherwise, we are just driving the bus in circles and not getting anywhere.  For instance, thinking I don't have time to sit and think about what I want out of life; I have papers to grade and plans to write, and... Uhn uh.  We need to take the time to think about what is priority, and the priority is ... ME.  If I don't take some time for myself to focus on what I want and need and where I want to go and how to get there, I won't be any good to anyone.  Like the adage about putting on your own oxygen mask first... you are no good to anyone if you lose yourself.

Kat Bulla

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"Think about the people who increase your energy and those who drain you."  As teachers, we often tend to see and talk about those who drain us; the students who are disruptive and attention-seeking and demanding and non-compliant and uncooperative and ...and...and...  And we are so drained by the energy vampires (Rule #6), that we can't even focus on the students who are doing the right thing day in and day out.  We need to focus and think more on the kids who are bringing the right energy to the learning community, because #1. they deserve the attention that the drainers are taking from them daily, and #2. thinking about them will build up our energy.  Think about them will recharge our batteries.  Let's all make an effort to talk about the chargers instead of the drainers.  "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

Kat Bulla

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Takeaway #1- Energy is real and it's powerful! I can use it for good and to fuel my life, my goals, my bus or I can allow negative energy, mine or others to derail it. We ALL have that CHOICE.

#2- It's necessary to revisit or reenvision what we want in life. As I read chapter 7, I was forced to ask myself, "what is my vision? Am I headed in the right direction?" It's easy to loose sight of our vision or float along so to speak, with no purpose or plan and in the end find ourselves in the same situation as George, just merely existing.