What matters...

I had a long day today. At times a frustrating day. I noticed that when I get stuck in my thoughts it is hard for me to move beyond them. That causes me to lose focus on what matters (the whole point of this journal). It took the kind words of someone I care about to get me out of the funk. I was told to remember who I am and what is the purpose of me being here. I am not here to be friends with everyone I work with. I am not here to complain about everything. I am here to not only better myself but also the students I work with. I need to surround myself with the people I care about and who care about me.

Why this photo? She and Halil abi are amongst the nicest people I have ever met. She helps me with my Turkish and she likes joking around when I am in the tea room. She represents so many characteristics I value...hard work, kindness, patience, humility and humor.

I am thankful for the people who keep me on track to where I want to go. I am thankful for the people who remind me of what I should strive for. I have once again focused on the negative when I should have been looking for the positive. I am thankful for the people who remind me of that.