As a classroom teacher in the same building for the last 18 years, you can imagine how easy it would be to be weighted down with negativity. I love my co-workers, but anyone who has ever visited a teacher's lounge knows they aren't often the most positive places to hang out.
I really don't think teachers are necessarily negative people; I just think a lot gets put on our plates and sometimes the only way people can deal with that is to complain.
As I started my new job this year, I was really worried about encountering negativity and complaining because I really try to pride myself on being a positive person. Don't get me wrong! I get frustrated and complain, but it's usually privately and not posted on social media for all to see. I wanted to be the person teachers could feel free to talk with, but not get sucked down into the dark abyss. I struggled with the thought of how I was going to listen and try to be positive with some people who can only be positive when the bell to end the day rings. So far, I have been lucky. Even with some very real struggles this year, hardly anyone has "let me have it" yet. I'm sure the day will come and I hope I can smile and try to offer something positive to help the situation. I'm very extremely lucky to work for a principal who is one of the most positive forces on the planet. His general optimistic personality helps to set the tone for the staff, which is so important!
As I was perusing Pinterest one day, I came across a quote by Joel Osteen which read: "You can't make people happy. You can't make them grateful. You can only run your race and not allow them to steal your joy". Truer words have never been uttered. I've decided to post that in my office so I can remind myself of it every day.... especially when Negative Nancy or Pessimistic Phil decides to come in and have a chat!
