Magical Gifts and Goodies: Heartfelt Beams of Love!

I am beaming, because today warmed my heart in ways I did not know it needed warming. I bought a small gift for the school where I had worked off and on for several years before I retired last April. It is a book written by one of my favorite counselors, Mavis Karn. Her message was life changing for me at that time, as well as for my dad.

You may read the full story here.

When I discovered that she had written this gem of a book, “It’s That Simple. A User’s Manual For Human Beings,” I bought it, read it and bought several more to share! I knew it needed to be in the hands of my educational family. Honestly, if I could buy a copy of it for every person at this school, I would! Yes, it is that good!

Please take a mindful moment to slow down, and breathe deeply, in and out for 30 seconds, before you move on.

After I gave the book to one of the administrators to read first, I was given permission to spend some time with the kids. I loved every minute that I was there. My first and last hugs were probably the longest, though all of them were amazing. I spent time talking to staff and students. I learned about some of the electives the kids are loving. It was a magical day, full of heartfelt love beams between myself and everyone I had time to talk to.

While making my rounds through the lunchroom, I learned that a couple of the students knew one of my former students through their job. They were excited to ask me if I remembered him. Of course I did. I asked them to say hello to him. They asked me to take a selfie with them to send to my former student. SHHH, don’t tell the staff that I let that happen, taking pictures at school is against the rules!

I also had a chance to impart a little wisdom on a couple of the students, when I asked them if they were staying out of drama situations. Being involved in drama was a difficult habit for them to break when I was their teacher. They laughed and rolled their eyes. I knew that they must currently be involved in some sort of drama, from their telling eye rolls. It was an opportunity to lovingly remind them about how important it is to stay out of drama, before I moved on to greet and hug other students. Let’s face it, where is drama going to take them in life?

I am grateful that I had enough time to really focus on kids and staff, today. I actually made sure that I had time to greet more people and offer hugs to those who wanted them this time, because the last time I stopped, the kids and some staff members came running out of their classrooms to give me hugs and talk to me as I was walking out of the building.

I worked in a lot of schools over my career. This school was my absolute favorite school to work in and the only one I feel drawn to return to, to give and receive heartfelt beams of love. I am so very grateful that I retired from there and not any of the other schools I had worked at. Culture and community make a huge difference for students and staff. I could feel the positive energy beaming from these kids. It made my heart sing!

Today, I was able to stay longer. I was there for the end of their first lunch and stayed until just after their third lunch started! The two plus hours I was there sped by. It wasn’t my idea to go visit over their three lunch periods, but I loved it when this brilliant idea was mentioned by a staff member the last time I had stopped in. That time I only had a few minutes to be there. I had stopped to give staff a “pick me up treat,” about a month or so ago. I had no idea that the kids missed me as much as I missed them, so this time I made sure to be there for as long as it felt right to be there.

I love this staff. I love these kids. I love the wonderful things they are doing together! Is it hard to do? Yes, I can see it on the faces of staff. They are ready for winter break, but are they making a difference? Yes they are, I could feel it in the hallways, I could feel it in the lunchroom, I could feel it in the classrooms. WOW, keep doing what you are doing, because you are making a huge difference in these kids’ lives and their futures. You have created an outstanding positive community and it shows!

I loved hearing from the kids about their favorite class or newest accomplishments! A few kids are starting post secondary next semester. They are so proud of their accomplishments and are excited for the next chapter to start. I celebrated with them as I listened! My heart is full as I know they are ready for this next step!

One class is taking their students to Oxbow Park, an Educational Zoo and recreational area with trails and a variety of animals. The students go every Monday. They spend time cleaning cages and feeding a variety of animals when they are there. They are able to get up close and personal because they are given the task to feed the animals. The general public must stay behind barriers and fences, so this is a major privilege for the students that they are proud of.

One of the students told me that elk are prey animals. She has to be really calm and quiet for them to come up to her, because humans are predators. She was very excited to tell me that she was able to get within 2 feet of one of the elk. This one is usually the first to bolt away! I was impressed by her knowledge and how beautifully and humbly she shared it with me.

While I was asking questions and listening to their answers. I learned that there are new class offerings this year. One student told me that her favorite class is Animal Studies. They are learning about the bodily functions of dogs. Another told me she loves my daughter’s class, Health and Mindfulness! Yes, my daughter is one of the teachers, she is a better teacher, too! Another student loves Spanish! All of the students love the new Art elective! Oh, I almost forgot, another new elective is Music Studies. Not all of the kids have had that one, yet, but I bet it is one that is well loved, too!

When I saw a couple of students I previously taught heading into the lunchroom, I wasn’t sure how they would react. I was hesitant, but smiling. If they wanted to connect, I was open to it, if not I would honor their space. I honestly did not expect any love from either of the two, however they were genuinely happy to see me. When I told them that I would be back in January, they seemed happy to hear that. I was pleasantly surprised.

I left teaching in April, because I was 65, but I also left because I was grieving. I had lost my joy. I couldn’t give the kids what they needed from me. It was a hard decision, but the right one. I am not the same person I was when I retired. I am healthier and happier. I think the kids understand and can feel that, too! I can go visit them, but not be there to teach them every single day. I can love them, listen to them and fill them up with good memories, full of joy. I can connect and still make a difference when I visit once a month!

One student who loves my daughter called me her grandma. Yes, I am like a grandma or maybe I am their fairy godmother, because I can visit, let them break a minor rule here and there, give and receive love and go home! I can help them feel love and joy. I can listen to the good, maybe the bad, too! I can impart wisdom and let them know that I do love them and want them to be the best that they can be today, so that tomorrow is better, yet!

Am I spreading Magical Fairy Dust? It sure feels like it!

I know that I missed some hugs from staff and students who were not there or whom I didn’t have time to visit. That does not mean I don’t care about them. Next time I stop in, I will make sure to say hello, I promise! No, I am not going back to work, I am happily retired….but if I can spread Magical Fairy Dust, give joy and love for a moment, to kids and staff, I will keep stopping by to do just that!

My heart is full. It was a magical day!

What can you do today to fill up your heart?

Who is the one person from your childhood school days that you would like to receive a hug from today?

How do you spread magical fairy dust, joy and love to others?

I would like to give a shout out to my friend, mentor and fellow Medium writer. Debbra Lupien, Voice of the Akashic Records . She is amazing. I encourage you to check out her page, her books and her YouTube channel. In fact, now that I am thinking about it, during one of her free readings, I asked her if I should go back to work, at the school, this past fall. The answer she channeled, was a strong no. I could visit, but do not go back to work there. It is time to pursue what brings you joy! She was absolutely correct!

Take a peek at her work. I love this story:

Manifest a magical day!